After years of rumours and uncertainty, building work has started on Coronation Street's new home at MediaCityUK.
One of the soap's longest serving stars, William Roache, was appropriately on-hand to break the ground on what will eventually become the studio base for the soap.
"It’s over fifty years since I first walked on to a Coronation Street set, and now I’m here with Michelle [Keegan], starting the build of our new home – the one that will take us well in to this century, and it feels fantastic.”
The 7.7 acre site is across the water from the main BBC studios, alongside the Imperial War Museum North and will be a bespoke stand-alone production and studio centre for Coronation Street.
“Our move to MediaCityUK is an historic one that will continue our commitment to the North, ensuring our longevity as the major programme maker in the region and make us a crucial part of Europe’s biggest media population. It is a very exciting time,” added Kevin Lygo, managing director, ITV Studios.
Work is expected to be complete by spring 2013.