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'''The Manchester Studios''' (widely referred to by its former name, '''Granada Studios''' or the '''Quay Street Studios''') is a television studio with the facility to broadcast live programmes and film drama programmes. Most notably, it has been home to [[Granada Television]] (now known as Granada ITV) since their inception in 1954. The studios are now operated by [[3SixtyMedia]], a joint venture between BBC Manchester and ITV Granada. As its no-nonsense and dated architecture suggests, the Granada Studios are the oldest television studios in the United Kingdom and are one of the most famous in the UK.<ref>{{Cite news |title=It's showtime: Party leaders arrive for historic live TV debate |quote=Mr Clegg made the short trip from his hotel in Manchester to the famous Granada Studios for the make-or-break clash |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/election/article-1266260/General-Election-debate-Brown-finds-Cameron-trivial-glib-claims-Mandelson-party-leaders-prepare-tonights-historic-TV-debate.html |newspaper=Daily Mail |date=15 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=5 Granada Television Quay Street |url=http://masaimedia.co.uk/2011/06/20/the-top-ten-uk-tv-studios/ |work=masaimedia.co.uk |date=20 June 2011}}</ref>
'''The Manchester Studios''' (widely referred to by its former name, '''Granada Studios''' or the '''Quay Street Studios''') is a television studio with the facility to broadcast live programmes and film drama programmes. Most notably, it has been home to [[Granada Television]] (now known as Granada ITV) since their inception in 1954. The studios are now operated by [[3SixtyMedia]], a joint venture between BBC Manchester and ITV Granada. As its no-nonsense and dated architecture suggests, the Granada Studios are the oldest television studios in the United Kingdom and are one of the most famous in the UK.<ref>{{Cite news |title=It's showtime: Party leaders arrive for historic live TV debate |quote=Mr Clegg made the short trip from his hotel in Manchester to the famous Granada Studios for the make-or-break clash |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/election/article-1266260/General-Election-debate-Brown-finds-Cameron-trivial-glib-claims-Mandelson-party-leaders-prepare-tonights-historic-TV-debate.html |newspaper=Daily Mail |date=15 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=5 Granada Television Quay Street |url=http://masaimedia.co.uk/2011/06/20/the-top-ten-uk-tv-studios/ |work=masaimedia.co.uk |date=20 June 2011}}</ref>


Until recently, the studios notably had a red neon Granada TV sign perched atop the building which was often first sight a person passing [[Manchester city centre]] on the [[West Coast Main Line]] would see.<ref>{{Cite news |title=ITV takes down famous Granada TV sign |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/news/a278879/itv-takes-down-famous-granada-tv-sign.html |work=Digital Spy |date=27 September 2010}}</ref> A decorative broadcasting tower was erected at the behest of Granada's founder [[Sidney Bernstein]] in order to give the studios an embellished and professional appearance. Currently the studios are still sizable with three main studios which are over 4500 sq feet that are still operating. Only the [[BBC Television Centre|BBC TV Centre]] and [[MediaCityUK|The Studios, MediaCityUK]] can claim to have more studios over 4500 sq ft.
Until recently, the studios notably had a red neon Granada TV sign perched atop the building which was often the first sight a person arriving from the west into [[Manchester city centre]] by rail would see.<ref>{{Cite news |title=ITV takes down famous Granada TV sign |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/news/a278879/itv-takes-down-famous-granada-tv-sign.html |work=Digital Spy |date=27 September 2010}}</ref> A decorative broadcasting tower was erected at the behest of Granada's founder [[Sidney Bernstein]] in order to give the studios an embellished and professional appearance. Currently the studios are still sizable with three main studios which are over 4500 sq feet that are still operating. Only the [[BBC Television Centre|BBC TV Centre]] and [[MediaCityUK|The Studios, MediaCityUK]] can claim to have more studios over 4500 sq ft.


Production at the studios continues nearly 60 years after their construction with ''[[Coronation Street]], [[University Challenge]]'' and ''[[The Jeremy Kyle Show]]'' still produced at the studios. Since 2009, the studios underwent a revival of sorts after filming of live programming at studios dropped sharply in the 1990s when Granada took over [[LWT]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Granada moving, but only next door |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/73/73449_granada_moving_but_only_next_door.html |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=19 November 2003}}</ref> ''[[Countdown (game show)|Countdown]]'' moved to the studios in the wake of the Leeds Studio closure and new programmes such as ''John Bishop's Britain'', ''[[Divided (game show)|Divided]]'' and ''[[Take Me Out (game show)|Take Me Out]]'' with the studios hosting the first ever General Election debate in April 2010. Drama series are still produced and filmed at the studios with the [[Red Production Company]] and RSJ Films based at the studios.
Production at the studios continues nearly 60 years after their construction with ''[[Coronation Street]], [[University Challenge]]'' and ''[[The Jeremy Kyle Show]]'' still produced at the studios. Since 2009, the studios underwent a revival of sorts after filming of live programming at studios dropped sharply in the 1990s when Granada took over [[LWT]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Granada moving, but only next door |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/73/73449_granada_moving_but_only_next_door.html |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=19 November 2003}}</ref> ''[[Countdown (game show)|Countdown]]'' moved to the studios in the wake of the Leeds Studio closure and new programmes such as ''John Bishop's Britain'', ''[[Divided (game show)|Divided]]'' and ''[[Take Me Out (game show)|Take Me Out]]'' with the studios hosting the first ever General Election debate in April 2010. Drama series are still produced and filmed at the studios with the [[Red Production Company]] and RSJ Films based at the studios.

Revision as of 21:25, 10 August 2011

The Manchester Studios
Granada Studios
Quay Street Studios
The Studio block with the original studios in the foreground. The broadcasting tower and the red Granada TV logo have since been removed
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Former namesGranada Studios
General information
TypeTelevision studios
LocationOff Quay Street and bounded by the B5225, Atherton Street, Great John Street, Lower Byrom Street and the A6143.
AddressQuay Street, Manchester, M60 9EA
Coordinates53.478958, -2.254783
Current tenantsGranada ITV, Red Production Company
Construction started1954
Completed1962[1]
Inaugurated3 May 1956
Owner3SixtyMedia
Design and construction
Architect(s)Ralph Tubbs

The Manchester Studios (widely referred to by its former name, Granada Studios or the Quay Street Studios) is a television studio with the facility to broadcast live programmes and film drama programmes. Most notably, it has been home to Granada Television (now known as Granada ITV) since their inception in 1954. The studios are now operated by 3SixtyMedia, a joint venture between BBC Manchester and ITV Granada. As its no-nonsense and dated architecture suggests, the Granada Studios are the oldest television studios in the United Kingdom and are one of the most famous in the UK.[2][3]

Until recently, the studios notably had a red neon Granada TV sign perched atop the building which was often the first sight a person arriving from the west into Manchester city centre by rail would see.[4] A decorative broadcasting tower was erected at the behest of Granada's founder Sidney Bernstein in order to give the studios an embellished and professional appearance. Currently the studios are still sizable with three main studios which are over 4500 sq feet that are still operating. Only the BBC TV Centre and The Studios, MediaCityUK can claim to have more studios over 4500 sq ft.

Production at the studios continues nearly 60 years after their construction with Coronation Street, University Challenge and The Jeremy Kyle Show still produced at the studios. Since 2009, the studios underwent a revival of sorts after filming of live programming at studios dropped sharply in the 1990s when Granada took over LWT.[5] Countdown moved to the studios in the wake of the Leeds Studio closure and new programmes such as John Bishop's Britain, Divided and Take Me Out with the studios hosting the first ever General Election debate in April 2010. Drama series are still produced and filmed at the studios with the Red Production Company and RSJ Films based at the studios.

Granada Studios is to close by 2013 when Granada is to move to MediaCityUK. The Quay Street site will either be sold off for redevelopment while the original Coronation Street set could be maintained by MOSI.[6] The main Granada House building which has spawned many famous British television programmes is currently not a listed building and will most likely be demolished despite being the first and oldest operating television studios in the United Kingdom.[7]

History

See also: Granada Television

Following Granada's success in securing the contract for the North of England on weekdays, the company decided to build a new television studio complex unlike that seen in the country. In contrast, the BBC, Associated Rediffusion, ATV and ABC (Granada's weekend counterparts) decided to convert film studios for television use. The difficulty in this is that the equipment used for film was largely incompatible and had to be replaced, and new areas required for playout and transmission facilities. Granada decided to bypass these problems and create their own studios.

Sidney Bernstein had to select a northern city to base their operations, and quickly whittled a shortlist down with Leeds and Manchester considered.[8] Granada executive Victor Peers stated he believed Manchester was always the preferred before Granada executive went on their tour of the north to find a suitable operations base for their new franchise.[8] The executives found ideal land on Quay Street in Manchester city centre which was reserved but Bernstein ordered Peers to investigate who owned the land.[8] It turned out to Manchester City Council and Bernstein purchased the land for £82,000.[8] The land on which the studios stood on was previously a cemetery site where 22,000 people were buried.[9] The empty land eventually became the site of Granada Studios which was designed by architect Ralph Tubbs and this would act as Granada's broadcasting outpost in Northern England.

The original Granada Studios were built in time for the companies launch, and can be seen to this day as a small two storey building on Quay Street. Bernstein stipulated that for first few years of Granada's operations in 1956 the company only needed the bare minumum of studio space and was not willing to waste money investing in new space or studios that would rarely be used.[10] This was the primary reason why construction took so long from 1954 to 1962 and the save money at all costs mantra was reflective Sidney Bernstein's business plan.

Facilities have expanded over time with the tower block next and with studios and facilities expanded with time. The Granada studios became home to the some of the best known television country for the next few decades and Granada's facilities never failed to be short of productions. This came to a head when Granada launched the Granada Studios Tour.

The tour took place in the western half of the site and was accessed from the elaborate studios gate on Water Street. The tour allowed the public to walk and interact with some production sets including New York City, the House of Commons and the set of Coronation Street. The tour did very well for itself, however closed in 1999 due to poor ratings and a drive by both Granada and their counterpart Carlton to streamline the companies.

In 2002, the reception area was moved from the Eastern end of the tower block off Atherton Street, to the western end of the block, inside the compound so that visitors had to pass through a secure compound prior to access to the now non-public reception. The old, larger reception is now unused and empty. Asbestos was found at the studios in October, but wasn't removed until the spring of 2006 at the cost of thousands of pounds.[11] The renovation meant programmes such as Mastermind and An Audience with Coronation Street were moved to The Leeds Studios and The London Studios respectively.[11]

The "Granada TV" sign that became an iconic part of the Manchester skyline, remained place on the top and sides of the buildings, despite rebranding of the company and the merger between Granada and Carlton, until September 2010. Upon a safety check it was discovered that the signs, that had been in place since the 1950s, were severely corroded to the point that they were no longer safe. As a result they were removed from the Penthouse suite in October 2010. Other Granada TV signs still remain on the side of the tower and on either side of the small building in front of tower on Quay Street. However, by the entrance, a large ITV logo has been placed next to the gate, and by the former entrance to the Studio tour, the signs have been removed and replaced with the ITV logo, with the Granada name on the gateway, painted over.

Future of studios and relocation

See also: MediaCityUK
The warehouse next to Granada Studios where Granada house offices and produce some programmes such as Granada Reports[12]

Granada Studios being the first purpose built and oldest television studios in UK has meant much of the facilities at the studios had passed their sell by date in an era of high definition television. Despite the studios iconic status, the main Granada House office buildings have previously been described as a "1960's nightmare" by Granada staff.[13]

The merger of Granada and Carlton to form ITV plc created further speculation that the ageing Quay Street complex would be sold off. The plan in 2004 was for the production centre be sold off for development while the regional news centre and staff base themselves in the Bonded Warehouse, also located in the complex and former home of the Granada Studios Tour. Production instead would move to other studios such as Yorkshire's studios in Leeds, and other production centres around the country, including independent facilities.

These discussions made way for discussions with Peel Holdings about a full and permanent move to a site in Trafford Park, next to Imperial War Museum North and opposite the MediaCityUK development across the water. The proposal wasn't without opposition - a move would mean the outdoor Coronation Street set would need to be remade and constructed in the new location, and Granada's plans of creating a Media hub at Quay Street would be abandoned. The discussions continued for many years in varying disguises.

In March 2009, Granada reported that, due to the poor financial climate at the time, they would stay at their Quay Street base "for the forseeable future". However, despite this, talks reopened in January 2010 between ITV plc and Peel Group following a change of management at ITV plc, for the Trafford Park site. The long awaited decision was announced by Granada on 16 December 2010, where it was revealled that Granada would indeed be moving from Quay Street. The company would be moving to the Orange Building of the MediaCityUK complex and would be joined by production and ancillary staff and by Granada Reports and the University of Salford. Meanwhile production of Coronation Street would take place at a brand new purpose built facility across the canal in Trafford Park, on the site originally negotiated by Granada, next to Imperial War Museum North. The new facility will have new studio buildings with production units, set storage, dressing rooms, sizeable studio space for interior sets and a new outdoor set. Pending planning permission, it is expected to open in 2012.

It appears likely that the Quay Street site will be sold off for development. A redevelopment will be dependent on Manchester City Council agreeing to sale of the site as the council still own land on the Quay Street studio site. The Quay Street site is located on what is now desired land with the Spinningfields project adjacent to the studios and redevelopment regardless of the Studios historical importance seems likely.

Architecture

By 21st century contemporary standards, the Granada Studios appear basic. Sidney Bernstein was keen to save money and he requested that Granada Studios was built if new offices and studios were required. This led to the Studios somewhat jumbled appearance as Granada have continually expanded and renovated the Quay Street site. The site now includes the Bonded Warehouse which was built in the Victorian era.

Granada Studios Tour

The Granada Studios Tour entrance in 2006

From 1989 to 1999 Granada Television ran the Granada Studios Tour which gave the public the opportunity to visit the Coronation Street set and explore other Granada productions. The tour provided a new revenue stream for the commercial franchise and was the only ITV franchise to ever build an entertainment park.

The park also had a mock set of the House of Commons, Baker Street and a replica New York Street. The House of Commons also doubled up as a filming set with Manchester Town Hall acting as a filming double for the Houses of Parliament. In 1997, Granada decided to build their first (and only) roller-coaster.[14] Skytrak was the first "flying roller-coaster" in the world and riders would be tilted forward as the ride progressed. Skytrak was considered a failure however and was plagued by mechanical unreliability and the ride was not comfortable either.[14] Nevertheless, it was the first roller-coaster of its type in the world.[14]

Studios

Live studios

The studio complex comprises the original building and a large office block built behind it, both immediately accessible of Quay Street, with other studios scattered around the complex. When originally completed, Granada's studios were numbered evenly. Of six original studios only four still exist:[15]

Studios sold off or renovated:

  • Studio 4 - A small in vision continuity studio. Was mothballed, converted into office space and now forms part of reception.
  • Studio 10 - Not actually in the studio complex. Studio 10 was at the Chelsea Palace Theatre, London and was for interviews and for filming acts who refused or could not make it to Manchester. It was sold off by Granada in the 1960s.[16]

In addition to the four original studios, there are also some other studios located around the complex. The Garden Studio is located in the Granada garden, south of the tower, and is 477m² and ideal for small interview based programmes or press shoots.

Drama studios

Granada Studios backlot which features the Coronation Street sets

The Starlight Theatre used to be part of the Granada Studios Tour and was changed into two studios of 700m² and 424m², and has been used for various drama productions and late-night ITV Play programming. It is located in the very South West corner of the site. There is also the Blue Shed which measures 1577m², but which is not available for the public to hire out.

The post production facilities are located in the tower block as are green rooms and other guest facilities. The site also notable contains the set of Coronation Street which is located to the south of the site, and a large warehouse called Bonded Warehouse, located to the south west of the site . This used to be part of the Granada Studios Tour but which now houses offices.

Granada backlot - Coronation Street set

Adjacent to the main studio building and behind the Bonded Warehouse is the Coronation Street. The current set was first created in 1982 and has remained since.

Productions at Granada Studios

See List of television programmes set, produced or filmed in Manchester for further productions made at Granada and in Manchester

Programmes recorded at Granada

Off air denotes if the programme has been cancelled or if the programme is now filmed elsewhere

Productions

This list includes fictional programmes or documentaries that were/are produced or partly filmed at The Manchester Studios. This list includes productions from Granada Television, Red Production Company and RSJ Films who are all based at The Studios

See also

References

  1. ^ Elen, Richard. "Granada Television". screenonline.org.uk. Retrieved 6 July 2011. The practical-looking building, finished finally in 1962, looks very much of its time, with rectangular lines and a lot of glass, and is still in use
  2. ^ "It's showtime: Party leaders arrive for historic live TV debate". Daily Mail. 15 April 2010. Mr Clegg made the short trip from his hotel in Manchester to the famous Granada Studios for the make-or-break clash
  3. ^ "5 Granada Television Quay Street". masaimedia.co.uk. 20 June 2011.
  4. ^ "ITV takes down famous Granada TV sign". Digital Spy. 27 September 2010.
  5. ^ "Granada moving, but only next door". Manchester Evening News. 19 November 2003.
  6. ^ "Plan to preserve Coronation Street's famous cobbles". Manchester Evening News. 17 December 2010. Retrieved 31 July 2011.
  7. ^ "Granada TV Building, Manchester". February 2005.
  8. ^ a b c d "Granada's Founding Father". teletronic.co.uk. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  9. ^ "Nightmare on Corrie". The Sun. 9 May 2009.
  10. ^ "Television Gets A Complex". transdiffusion.org. 28 January 2009.
  11. ^ a b "TV studio asbestos clean-up". The People. 7 May 2006. Retrieved 6 August 2011.
  12. ^ Wylie, Ian (11 January 2006). "Historic move for Granada TV". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
  13. ^ "Granada moving, but only next door". Manchester Evening News. 19 November 2003. The switch would spell the end for the iconic building on Quay Street which supporters see as a symbol of the company's proud regional ethos but insiders say is a "1960s nightmare".
  14. ^ a b c "Remembered: Granada Studios Tour". G Force magazine. 15 October 2010.
  15. ^ a b c d e "3SixtyMedia: The North's Production Facility". 3SixtyMedia. Retrieved 4 July 2011.
  16. ^ Chelsea Palace Theatre "Chelsea Palace Theatre". tvstudiohistory.co.uk. Retrieved 4 July 2011. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help)
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