But those Hollywood photos are studio blocks which are just big boxes. Is the ITV building offices for ITV or are they going to be on the BBC side? And this box is going to be studios? I can't see if that is a glass or cladding front?
I am assuming that it is glass and that area will be some awful office space with the bits further along are the studio block.

ITV are in the orange building on the mediacity site (above the uni), what exactly they use the support building is for I'm not sure.

But essentially this site in Trafford is a filming lot with all the support for that, while the actual offices will be in the main Media city site.



The development will comprise:
External Drama Film Set [The ‘LOT’]
Two Studio "SOUND” stage buildings [Stage 1 & Stage 2]
A Three Storey Studio Production Support Building
Set Storage Building [with integral workshop].
Associated [on site] car parking.
Related Adjacent Public Realm Works and Landscaping.

http://i53.************/16m5zme.jpg

I'm guessing the support building will include dressing rooms and control rooms for the studios, probably loos and a canteen, few offices and editing suites?

probably at a guess:

Ground Floor - Dressing rooms and crew facilities

1st Floor - galleries for the studios, editing suites etc

2nd Floor - offices and canteen

Yes you are quite correct the trafford side will be production and the MC side will be admin etc

Corrie will be self contained on the Trafford side.

The rest of what is currently Quay St will be in the Orange building.

Corrie will be self contained on the Trafford side.

The rest of what is currently Quay St will be in the Orange building.

Correct

This is the least exciting development on the whole of SSC bar a bridge between Spinningfields and Salford. Its like watching a Tesco go up.

As usual on these things I am going to reserve judgement.

This is the least exciting development on the whole of SSC bar a bridge between Spinningfields and Salford. Its like watching a Tesco go up.

I couldn't possibly comment :)

Time will tell.

Time will tell.

How exactly could this ever be exciting? It's possibly even smaller than the warehouse just finished a few hundred metres down the river, and that got next to no attention. It's a sad reflection of the state of ITV.

I am not saying it will be exciting.

You'd think they'd have a little wing or annex on the development to have a Corrie shop and Corrie museum in it :| Give people a chance to walk around the latest Reg Holdsworth exhibition or have the Fred Elliot experience.

OK enough! lets leave it as it at the moment...please!

Time will tell.

By time do you mean the plans? Because they are screaming "This is shit" very loudly.

By time do you mean the plans? Because they are screaming "This is shit" very loudly.

But how often will ITV (or indeed anyone) deliberately film the outside of the buildings? Most modern multiscreens are crap architecturally, but you don't go to a cinema to watch the building for two hours, do you?

But how often will ITV (or indeed anyone) deliberately film the outside of the buildings? Most modern multiscreens are crap architecturally, but you don't go to a cinema to watch the building for two hours, do you?

Valid pont.

The problem with the 'it doesn't matter what the outside looks like because these are functional buildings' argument is that this isn't an industrial park in the middle of nowhere.

The new ITV building faces directly onto MCUK, the Lowry Theatre, and the Imperial War Museum. It should have been at least up to the standard of the buildings around it.

By building an ugly and low quality building you damage the surrounding area and businesses. What was the point of spending more than neccesary to build a well designed new bridge if it is going to be dominated by the ITV shed? Similarly, the ITV building will surely detract from the Libeskind designed Imperial War Museum.

It looks to me like Peel were desperate for ITV to move so allowed them to build whatever junk they wanted. In terms of maintaining momentum at MCUK it might actually prove the right decision, especially in the current climate. The best we can hope for is that ITV sort themselves out and require more space. At least what is being built will easily be demolished to make way for a proper building in the future.

I don't think it will be as awfully shed like as a lot if you are making out but it's hard to tell. The renders aren't clear enough to determine the quality of the final building, so like Wingy, I'll maintain my position of getting splinters up my @R$e

Lets all just wait and see.

Maybe the two big advertising screens will rescue it :shifty:

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/6189/20101216storyitv.jpg

Think we are going around in circles now.

Where are the doors? :s

Pedestrian grey on the left near side corner, main entrances though will be on the road.

There is alot of interest all of a sudden in this, lol

Maybe the two big advertising screens will rescue it :shifty:

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/6189/20101216storyitv.jpg

Hang on where's the bridge in proportion to that? Is it just off shot or have they not added it in?

great pictures

Hang on where's the bridge in proportion to that? Is it just off shot or have they not added it in?

I think you're right to question the accuracy of this visual, I think the new bridge should go right through the foreground. I imagine it's been left off for clarity though, you wouldn't see half the building if it was there!

I think you're right to question the accuracy of this visual, I think the new bridge should go right through the foreground. I imagine it's been left off for clarity though, you wouldn't see half the building if it was there!

That's true, although it would've been handy to get a sense of scale.

These renders always make me giggle. Look at that lovely, clean-cut, untouched promenade. We all know that in a few years time they'll be chweing gum stuck to the floor in splodges every so often, bins overflowing, different mish-mash styles of lamp post every where you look and just general street clutter. Stuff which never seems to appear in renders. ;)

That's true, although it would've been handy to get a sense of scale.

These renders always make me giggle. Look at that lovely, clean-cut, untouched promenade. We all know that in a few years time they'll be chweing gum stuck to the floor in splodges every so often, bins overflowing, different mish-mash styles of lamp post every where you look and just general street clutter. Stuff which never seems to appear in renders. ;)

For accuracy all renders should only show groups of hoodies hanging around smoking pot and the occasional SSC'er taking photos :)

For accuracy all renders should only show groups of hoodies hanging around smoking pot and the occasional SSC'er taking photos :)

If it's summer in the Quays the skateboarders also have to be included and since every render looks like a perfect summers day we need a lot of them racing up and down and creating enough noise to stop Corrie filming so a couple of security guards chasing them away too.

Why all the sudden interest in this?

Why all the sudden interest in this?

I would have thought the answer to that was obvious.

BECAUSE IT'S NOW BEING BUILT!

:bash:

duhhhhhhhhhh but its still just a few bolts girders and rivets, still !

Some of us are easily pleased I guess :D :D :D

It's mostly because for the last year, they'd been just pushing dirt around :P

no more for the time being please...really no...!

no more for the time being please...really no...!

Wingtips, why do you want comment on this shut down?

It's going to get comment. It's being built at a time when not much else is, and what's more it's getting built el rapido. I expect that next week the superstructure will be complete, ready for external draping.

well if it carries on at this speed it looks like it won't take long so it will all be over soon (and Wingy will get a nice quiet thread back LOL)

Clearly the most interesting part of this building is inside it (and the Coronation Street set). Unless you like breeze blocks and have a penchant for fire escapes, this is not even one for nonstopmark to get excited over - unless someone can get to the top of the apartment building across the water to snap pics.

Think I will set up camp outside the site ...then I can report every time a bolt, rivet, ( cup of tea is made) lol

Well, we'll be expecting photos too in that case :P

I don't think it will be as awfully shed like as a lot if you are making out but it's hard to tell. The renders aren't clear enough to determine the quality of the final building, so like Wingy, I'll maintain my position of getting splinters up my @R$e
I did read that the materials picked for the cladding are similar in style to those which will have been used on the museum next door. Also new pic from the MediaCity UK flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6789295294_da6ea295b4_b.jpg

MediaCity move progressing, says ITV

ITV has said that the move of staff from its Quay Street base in Manchester to MediaCity;UK in Salford was now "well under way".The company, whose new production facility for Coronation Street is also onsite, said the relocation would provide more modern offices for everyone working in Manchester and improved technologies.It added that the investment in the Manchester relocation and in new technology, including upgrading all of its regional TV studios with HD equipment, would lead to an increase in capital expenditure in 2012 to &p...

better get building faster then...

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com

Here is the rest of the article WingTips.


MediaCity move progressing, says ITV

29th February 2012

ITV has said that the move of staff from its Quay Street base in Manchester to MediaCity;UK in Salford was now "well under way".

The company, whose new production facility for Coronation Street is also onsite, said the relocation would provide more modern offices for everyone working in Manchester and improved technologies.

It added that the investment in the Manchester relocation and in new technology, including upgrading all of its regional TV studios with HD equipment, would lead to an increase in capital expenditure in 2012 to £70-80m, compared with £43m in 2011.

Thankfully, the firm is generating enough revenues to facilitate this. This morning, it announced a 24% increase in adjusted profits before tax to £398m as revenues grew by 4% to £2.14bn.

CEO Adam Crozier said: "We're now almost two years into our five-year transformation plan and our continued growth in revenue and profit - at a time when the advertising market is broadly flat - demonstrates that we're performing in line with our strategic priorities."

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news

Thanks flange...good job you subscribe lol

including upgrading all of its regional TV studios with HD equipment

As I understood it, they will be using the current media city studios, and the Corrie studios are purely for corrie. Does anyone know if they are creating their own studios as well and where? I'm guessing if its a regional news studio then they can build that into their offices.??

As I understood it, they will be using the current media city studios, and the Corrie studios are purely for corrie. Does anyone know if they are creating their own studios as well and where? I'm guessing if its a regional news studio then they can build that into their offices.??
That is what they're doing with Granada Reports.

Which is of course what the BBC have done.

Thanks flange...good job you subscribe lol

It's free to subscribe Wingy.

cheers for the info

Well, we'll be expecting photos too in that case :P

As you asked nicley...lol

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P2290421.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P2290423.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P2290424.jpg

Thank you! :)

Thank you! :)

welcome...:cheers:

Especially for you Wingtips, because I know you love updates on the ITV climbing frame, this photo was taken one week on from my last one.

From nearly nothing to this in a week.

http://www.soviart.com/stuff/DSC05929.JPG

ta.

From today!

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/IMAG0006.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/IMAG0007.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/IMAG0008.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/razzledazzle_2010/IMAG0009.jpg

Any idea on when they start installing the bakery and fishmonger units, and the cafe? What’s the delivery date for the shelving and trolleys?

I forgot, this isn’t a Tesco.

Any updates?

:troll:




(Cheers mr cool)

I don't know why people are whinging in here, it's a TV Studio, it's being built to be a TV Studio, not a magnificent piece of architecture.

I don't know why people are whinging in here, it's a TV Studio, it's being built to be a TV Studio, not a magnificent piece of architecture. I'm veering towards your sentiments. The building which is being built won't even have any studio anyway as they are across the canal. As I understand at this moment in time, its only going to be replica of the Coronation Street set and some interior sets for filming, nothing special.

The building which is being built won't even have any studio anyway as they are across the canal.

The building will have 4 studio spaces.

marni, your connected to ITV right? Would the studios being built on the corrie site be useable for other ITV/Granada productions? Or would they be filled with corrie related sets the whole time?

Corrie only.

The building will have 4 studio spaces. Which are just sets for Corrie filming as opposed to purpose built studios for live or recorded programmes

This is going quick now. Stage One is vertical on the left.

http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z349/Uploads1971/f084441d.jpg

Topped out already and now expanding along the canalside. Total build time = 3 weeks.

http://www.soviart.com/stuff/DSC05938.JPG

very impressed with the speed at which this is going up - wont be long now until they are able to lay the hallowed cobbles!

SIS dishes going up in the background as well.

http://www.soviart.com/stuff/DSC05941.JPG

Crikey - now that is progression!!

Here are a few I took recently, they really are moving with this...

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P3250475.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P3250476.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P3250479.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P3250481.jpg

Only downside is were not going to get to see the building of the corrie set unless someone bought that camera copter used on the spinningfields bridge :D

Whats that I spy in the top right of the photo under the gas towers :)

Thecityofgoldhttp://www.soviart.com/stuff/DSC05938.JPG

Only downside is were not going to get to see the building of the corrie set unless someone bought that camera copter used on the spinningfields bridge :D

I know. I was counting on being able to sell photos to the tabloids of future storylines being filmed. The only way to get photos of the set now is to be high up in the Heart building.

Whats that I spy in the top right of the photo under the gas towers :)

Transit van?
Tug?
Microwave transceivers?

Only downside is were not going to get to see the building of the corrie set unless someone bought that camera copter used on the spinningfields bridge :D

Still think we should club together and buy one...

Transit van?
Tug?
Microwave transceivers?

SIS installing their satellite uplink dish things. Not exciting.

I know. I was counting on being able to sell photos to the tabloids of future storylines being filmed. The only way to get photos of the set now is to be high up in the Heart building.

One of the characters is being shanghaied? Stowing away on a ship to Eastham Docks or Seaforth Container Depot?

Train Guard

SIS installing their satellite uplink dish things. Not exciting.

It will be if they get approval to fill in the dry dock!

From today:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/6930528686_dcb0e9171b_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5276/7076607203_cd1ba86246_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7076608151_e379838115_b.jpg

Will they start construction on the set after everything else is completed?

Progress is continuing at pace on this project...

The studios as seen from across the water...

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P4210594.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P4210595.jpg

and the impact the studios will have as one approaches from the Piazza...

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P4210598.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P4210599.jpg

Now where did we leave those sat dishes?......

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P4210597.jpg

More to follow as and when.

Progress is continuing at pace on this project...


Topped out after three weeks..

This coming along very nicely

Whatever became of the public realm that was due to be built on the IWMN car park? With the ITV development and the bridge in place, the IWMN car park will be one of the only things making this area of the quays feel less 'complete'.

Think M.R it died a death...

Whatever became of the public realm that was due to be built on the IWMN car park? With the ITV development and the bridge in place, the IWMN car park will be one of the only things making this area of the quays feel less 'complete'.

ATM its due to go between Corrie and the museum car park.

I really cant see it happening, been too long now

There is still nothing planned to use the space aside from a wide public pathway.

All depends on money as well

I wonder if they will leave the site potacabins and call them The Greenhouse 2

I wonder if they will leave the site potacabins and call them The Greenhouse 2

They probably will, it would considerably increase the size of the building.

In fact, portacabins could be the future for SQ the way things are going. :ohno:

Well considering the history of the quays, a greenhouse 2 using shipping containers would be appropriate. http://inhabitat.com/files/prefab_boxoffice1.jpg

Would make great affordable housing.

Brings a new meaning to 'two up two down'. I dont think even the smallest terrace houses have rooms that narrow.

want to bet lol

Well considering the history of the quays, a greenhouse 2 using shipping containers would be appropriate.

Cool idea

Hey you never know !

The Sharp Project already did it so I doubt they would want to replicate that. That one looks like Ikea built it.

I really dont think it would fit in with their vision of MC in reality.

The studio block is progressing at pace...

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P5120627.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P5120629.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P5120632.jpg

From this distance it fits in nicely with the surroundings...

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P5120633.jpg

[QUOTE=WingTips;91320072]The studio block is progressing at pace...

Do you think it possible that the new Coronation Street set will be visible from the bridge? It would be a great tourist draw if it was!

Train Guard

No, the buildings on the outside of the studio site will shield it along with some tall walls.

From this distance it fits in nicely with the surroundings...



The Hovis factory? The petrol storage site? The warehouses of Trafford? Ah no I guess you mean the pie factory because it's cheap and shitty looking but one of the buildings has an excuse as it wasn't built for TV production and at the time wasn't surrounded by quality buildings.

The Hovis factory? The petrol storage site? The warehouses of Trafford? Ah no I guess you mean the pie factory because it's cheap and shitty looking but one of the buildings has an excuse as it wasn't built for TV production and at the time wasn't surrounded by quality buildings.

You seem to contradict yourself in your own argument :nuts:

The key phrase I used in this was " from a distance" ;)

The key phrase I used in this was " from a distance" ;)

I am checking google earth and it still looks out of place and shit. It they had built it at the back of the pie factory it would look like it fitted in but next to the Lowry and IWM? It clashes and looks bad.

I am checking google earth and it still looks out of place and shit. It they had built it at the back of the pie factory it would look like it fitted in but next to the Lowry and IWM? It clashes and looks bad.

Whatever they built here, it was never going to tie in with the IWMN. If anything the IWMN is the building out of place, like already mentioned, built in an industrial park.

I think the most important thing here is that it already doesn’t look like the cheap looking render. The sand coloured cladding looks great imo, and should generally look good as a water fronted building.

Correct me if its just the light, but the cladding is the same colour as the Hovis building?

That looks a lot better than I expected it to do, I expected it to look more metallic, I think that cladding will fit in more

Original
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/6189/20101216storyitv.jpg

Thats the current cladding colour on the side, guess they decided to put the same colour on the waterfront too.

I am checking google earth and it still looks out of place and shit. It they had built it at the back of the pie factory it would look like it fitted in but next to the Lowry and IWM? It clashes and looks bad.

It might be worth pointing out that it isn't finished yet.

It might be worth pointing out that it isn't finished yet.

Indeed. I believe we're looking at an interior wall. The exterior is still planned to be barcode.

Somone posted this on Twitter
http://i50.************/2lulut.jpg

If the new Coronation Street will be on this site, then they will need to find a way of reducing background noise. The Hovis factory makes a lot of noise with lorries, sirens, machines.

I dont think being next to the Hovis plant would be any more noisy than being in the middle of the city with various railways right outside, police sirens etc?

Wont the big facades help keep noise away from the set? I'm looking forward to seeing this months photos on the Mediacity timeline website

this is a truly disgusting pile of shite to have on the banks of the canal.

Pathetic. Beyond pathetic, disgraceful carbuncle.

What a waste.

Somone posted this on Twitter
http://i50.************/2lulut.jpg

A cladding of Coronation Street characters and famous scenes would have been a great idea.(thank you, I know) It would have eventually become a tourist attraction, bringing more people to the home of the Coronation Street set, the IWMN, Mediacity, and the Quays.

They rejected allowing tours, the tourists get in the way of filming. However believe me the perimeter will have scenes and hoardings up just like the BBC buildings are plastered in advertising for their shows thats rotated now and then.

They rejected allowing tours, the tourists get in the way of filming. However believe me the perimeter will have scenes and hoardings up just like the BBC buildings are plastered in advertising for their shows thats rotated now and then.

They will come.

Coach loads of Grannies from all over the place.

I think they do plan to have billboards placed on the sides of the studio buildings
http://i49.************/20uzvig.jpg

I found another picture over on Twitter, though there's nowt much new.
http://i50.************/2qxali0.jpg

They will come.

Coach loads of Grannies from all over the place.

Indeed. And they'll all be disappointed. Security will be very tight, and any sight lines of the lot will be only from the high rise(s) opposite.

Not taken from the best angle - but noticed yesterday that the structure of the houses on the street itself is on it's way up. You can see the red frame to the right of the studios :)
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p136/nickthegreek2k2/photo1-1.jpg

I did see an article about Bill Roache testing out the new cobbles, so they might have been laid already?
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/4332837/Soap-veteran-Bill-Roache-tests-out-new-Coronation-Street-set.html

I did see an article about Bill Roache testing out the new cobbles, so they might have been laid already?
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/4332837/Soap-veteran-Bill-Roache-tests-out-new-Coronation-Street-set.html


The final surfacing would normally be the last thing to go down so that it doesn't get damaged, but with new cobbles you might want to get them trafficked a bit so they don't look new...

edit: now "read" the "article" - that doesn't look like the new set (not enough mud) in the picture, and the text says they are moving "cobble by cobble" - that'll take a while!

Yeah, I wasnt sure what to make of it, due to the quality of The Sun's reporting. I figured the article might still be about the new set, though they decided to use a stock picture of Bill exiting the current set.

Maybe they should have a storyline where Wetherfield Council tarmac the street, to the disgust of the residents (when really the cobbles have actually been moved to their new home) - in which the street gets together to get the cobbles reinstated, eventually winning, just in time for the new set to open! :lol:

Storyline (c) Chogmook :cheers:

Maybe they should have a storyline where Wetherfield Council tarmac the street, to the disgust of the residents (when really the cobbles have actually been moved to their new home) - in which the street gets together to get the cobbles reinstated, eventually winning, just in time for the new set to open! :lol:

Storyline (c) Chogmook :cheers:

Chez Locke has been discussing this and we think that a large scale gas main explosion is the way to go - they can move everyone out for a month or two (of Corrie-time) and then when they all move back it is into the apparently re-built street (to whit the new set). Also an opportunity to get rid of some characters ...

Im sure there will be some storyline involved but as I understand it its a case of packing up filming at the old set on a friday and first day of filming at the new set on the monday. No break in filming.

I did see an article about Bill Roache testing out the new cobbles, so they might have been laid already?
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/4332837/Soap-veteran-Bill-Roache-tests-out-new-Coronation-Street-set.html

What a load of old Sun! The only thing correct is that it is a photo of Bill. He is pictured actually off set there, heading to the canteen or the admin area.

The new set hasn't begun yet aside from structural work. The old set will remain until vacated, cobbles and all, with the new set being built using totally separate items made to match exactly the present lot. Not one cobble will leave Castlefield for Trafford Park.

Not taken from the best angle - but noticed yesterday that the structure of the houses on the street itself is on it's way up. You can see the red frame to the right of the studios :)
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p136/nickthegreek2k2/photo1-1.jpg

If you also look through the building/studio to the other side can also be seen red framework which is probably the terrace itself. the framework that is more clearer maybe the where the surgery/chippy and apartments are then down towards Victoria Street.

From what I can tell the yellow fencing is the location of the "Set Store"
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ieqsyxnYlNo/TQy_Jps77eI/AAAAAAAAMQ0/MtGvG6nQUTA/s1600/new.jpg

A good look at the street
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8djx9nT4P80/T8Nc7QlPLDI/AAAAAAAAAYw/2vAg5fTnmqM/s1600/mediacityukpeelsmediacityuksalfordquaysbbcnorthitvuosmay25th2012mediacityukwebcamtimelinenwda13.jpg

Courtesy of NonstopMark :D

And from the other angle...http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p136/nickthegreek2k2/IMG_3170.jpg

Thanks for that, manc :) It's good to see the size of it from another perspective :D

The streets really coming along now! You can make out particular houses now!
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p136/nickthegreek2k2/DSC02283.jpg

Zoomed in -On the right hand side is the Salon, with the three non-terrace houses at an angle to the left of it. Then next to Gail's is the factory and garage. And the houses and Rovers' with their back to us.:)
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p136/nickthegreek2k2/corrie-2.jpg

Hmmm, so you'll be able to watch them filming the latest episode of Corrie from that view in the future?

How much has this set been scaled up compared the the current set? Will the houses be normal house height now?

Wait, isnt there supposed to be a road between the Rovers and medical centre? I can't seem to see it lol

EDIT: Oh wait that long building is the Salon, haha

How much has this set been scaled up compared the the current set? Will the houses be normal house height now?

Yes. Full size.

Is roys rolls and medical centre missing? They would be on the right of the photo wouldn't they?

Is roys rolls and medical centre missing? They would be on the right of the photo wouldn't they?

Yep. They are yet to build. Same for the Kabin and Victoria St amongst others.

How are they going to make it look exactly like the current street? Or is there going to be a storyline where Roy and Norris go a bit mental and blow the street up?

I love the weirdness of them having to build a replica of the goods warehouse too.

...

How are they going to make it look exactly like the current street? Or is there going to be a storyline where Roy and Norris go a bit mental and blow the street up?

Their pretty good at set building and making something new look like something they used in the previous series in the film business. This will be the third time the sets been replaced.

Is it splitting hairs but won't it be the fourth. If we count the first indoor street set from 1960. Then from mid late 60s the first outdoor street then from 1983 the current one.

Third replacement will be number four, since you had to have a set for it to be replaced in the first place :)

Is it splitting hairs but won't it be the fourth. If we count the first indoor street set from 1960. Then from mid late 60s the first outdoor street then from 1983 the current one.

So, that's 4 sets = 3 replacements!

I'm glad you got that sorted lads

I've heard they aren't going to bother adding any bricks to the frames, they'll just have empty frames as a post-modern critique on post-industrialisation in Northern England.

Building.co.uk

Exclusive: Exclusion zone set up on part of ITV’s new Coronation Street studios site after problems emerge on steel frame

ITV, MediaCity, Salford

An exclusion zone has been set up on part of Mace’s high profile construction of ITV’s new Coronation Street studios after problems arose on part of the steel frame on the project.

Construction manager Mace has confirmed a problem with the steel frame on part of the new Coronation Street studios building in MediaCity, Manchester, has been identified.

According to three separate sources the steel frame began to move significantly and beyond its design tolerances while concrete was being poured on the site in late May. Work was halted on the part of the site affected and an exclusion zone was put in place while the structure was assessed.

It is understood that the problems could lead to several months delay on the job, understood to be worth around £30m, which was originally set for completion in Spring 2013. It is understood that the project will not now be completed until near the end of 2013.

“Production activity will then migrate at a time that makes the most sense, in terms of filming schedules,” a source close to the project said.

Mace confirmed that work is now in progress to identify “the most appropriate strategy to remediate the steel frames of the partially built stage areas of the Coronation Street production facility”.

In a statement the firm said this work was being done with the “full involvement” of structural engineer Capita Symonds and the steel frame subcontractor William Hare.

“Mace confirms that the site is safe and operates under all relevant HSE legislation. Works to the main support building, the Coronation Street lot and all other areas of the site are continuing,” the firm said.

Mace would not comment on the length of the delay to the project.

The new ITV studios are being built on a 7.7 acre site at Trafford Wharf, adjacent to the Imperial War Museum North. The project includes a new external film set for Coronation Street, as well as two sound stage buildings, specialist production facilities and offices as well as dressing rooms and meeting space for production staff and cast.

In a statement ITV confirmed that Mace was “managing a construction issue on the new Coronation Street site, which has resulted in a slight delay to the build”.

ITV said it was still on track to begin its staged move from its current central Manchester base into the new office buildings at MediaCity in the autumn.

Capita Symonds and William Hare referred enquiries to Mace.

Funny we dont hear about it for four months but must have been solved as theyve started brickwork and construction of the secondary structure.

Funny we dont hear about it for four months but must have been solved as theyve started brickwork and construction of the secondary structure.

I'd guess that all involved are under various Non-disclosure Agreements (I'm not involved so not under an NDA) so that only the official line is heard.

According to three separate sources the steel frame began to move significantly and beyond its design tolerances while concrete was being poured on the site in late May.

This sounds like the column foundations sinking as the floor slabs were poured (which is the only significant volume of concrete in a steel-framed building like this, other than the ground floor slab, but that bears on the ground, not the frame). I suspect the tolerances for this buidling will be tighter than normal as it is a TV facility, so it may take account of the needs of studio camera dollies.

However, you wouldn't go and ditch the concrete you'd already poured, so (guessing again) they could possibly have jacked and shimmed or possibly grouted the offending columns. That could take a while to, do as would working out what precautions to take with the other pours.

This sort of thing is something that regularly crops up when building next to large bodies of water though isnt it. Bit hard to put into words but watertable at a depth that surveys didnt identify because the water from the body can find unexpected places to move into.

This sort of thing is something that regularly crops up when building next to large bodies of water though isnt it. Bit hard to put into words but watertable at a depth that surveys didnt identify because the water from the body can find unexpected places to move into.


Indeed, it is logically impossible to survey the ground with 100% accuracy, as that would involve drilling a near-infinite and cost prohibitive number of holes. That said, a combination of coring and ground penetrating radar should give a pretty comprehensive picture. These things do just happen though.

This sort of thing is something that regularly crops up when building next to large bodies of water though isnt it. Bit hard to put into words but watertable at a depth that surveys didnt identify because the water from the body can find unexpected places to move into.

...

Despite any so called wobbles...building coninues at ITV...

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P8060697.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P8060699.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P8060700.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P8060701.jpg

They could make this building look much better if they had a better entrance on the corner. This part of the building is offices anyway and I can see this area in front of the bridge being quite busy with people.

All they need to do is have more interesting glazing here rather than a wall of glass, some sort of canopy, a larger more inviting entrance and some landscaping out the front. Instead it will be gray and very unattractive at ground level.
Despite any so called wobbles...building coninues at ITV...

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P8060697.jpg
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/6189/20101216storyitv.jpg

Security I would imagine, its basically designed as a secure compound rather than a seperate office building and a neighbouring production lot.

That's the idea. The building is there to hide and shield the production area from view and to a certain degree noise. There is a pedestrian security gate for staff to use to travel to and from MediaCity further up the quayside, but the main entrance is on the road, and again designed for security and privacy.

That's the idea. The building is there to hide and shield the production area from view and to a certain degree noise. There is a pedestrian security gate for staff to use to travel to and from MediaCity further up the quayside, but the main entrance is on the road, and again designed for security and privacy.

But I don't get this security requirement. If you go to any of the major Hollywood studios you can go in for tours and wander around (albeit in a tour). Banks and major businesses also seem to manage to maintain security whilst having open and welcoming entrances. If the MC studios can have public access then why not the same for ITV. This is a prominent riverside position and they have faced the arse of the building towards it :bash:

But to be fair this isn't exactly the same as the BBC buildings. It has as lot in the shape of the outside street set. They did all that years ago with tours with the Granada Studio tours and it wasn't making the money and as the episodes were to be more weekly then the filming schedule was increased and it wouldn't have worked with the public in the way. It works best for them to have a closed set

To protect the soaps storylines, same reason they stopped allowing tours while they were filming at their previous studio.

To protect the soaps storylines, same reason they stopped allowing tours while they were filming at their previous studio.

Indeed. Plus the facility will be very busy, and so unable to accommodate general tours.

And of course its independent tv, not license paid. They have no public fund payers to show around, unlike the BBC.

But to be fair this isn't exactly the same as the BBC buildings. It has as lot in the shape of the outside street set. They did all that years ago with tours with the Granada Studio tours and it wasn't making the money and as the episodes were to be more weekly then the filming schedule was increased and it wouldn't have worked with the public in the way. It works best for them to have a closed set

I don't think skit was suggesting it be open for people to walk round the set, he's saying the ENTRANCE is in the wrong place, and I agree.

I don't think skit was suggesting it be open for people to walk round the set, he's saying the ENTRANCE is in the wrong place, and I agree.

Exactly, I'm just concerned about how this will make the waterfront appear and the current plans make it look like a warehouse basically. All it would take is a nicer entrance and reception area for staff at the corner facing the bridge.

Who would use the riverside entrance? well all staff that use metrolink, anyone from the bbc or the greenhouse offices, and staff on their lunch breaks going for a stroll around the waterfront or the shops. In fact they could even have a staff coffee shop with outdoor seating.

Adding 2 receptions adds costs in the build, staffing costs, and uses more space. Why do that when suppliers and many staff will use a car therefore having one by the main road and carpark makes more sense.

How many staff are going to be going back and forth between the BBC and ITV on a daily basis?

A lot of ITV staff will want to cross the bridge/s to Booths and the Outlet Mall I would've thought, especially at lunch. And as already mentioned, any tram commuters alighting at Media City, plus 'The Studios' are independent (Peel owned) and will be used by both ITV and BBC. Am I right in thinking some ITV staff will be based in the MEC tower?

If the Trafford line gets built however there will be a tram stop in front of the ITV studios itself, no need to cross the river.

yes there are some staff being based at Mediacity, they are general ITV show production staff however not the Coronation street staff, they will mostly be concerned with commisioning shows and the odd show produced at the rentable studios or filmed on location in the area.

How many staff are going to be going back and forth between the BBC and ITV on a daily basis?

Well the BBC and ITV have been cooperating more and more in recent years and part of the reason for ITV's move to media city is to allow ITV to continue this and also make use of the businesses based in the greenhouse and media city in general. Maybe even Salford Uni well get involved in some form.

I understand ITV is a business and not exactly swimming in money, but come on, at the moment it looks like they will be having to slip through a fire exit at the moment. :lol:

I don't think skit was suggesting it be open for people to walk round the set, he's saying the ENTRANCE is in the wrong place, and I agree.
I agree too. What concern is it to us - the people of Manchester - what the easiest side of the building is to have an entrance on? I couldn't really give a toss how far old Ken Barlow has to walk from his car to the door. I'm sick of saying the same thing over and over... our city should be tougher on developers and make sure that when these companies build here, they have an obligation / requirement to build something which enhances our city. Having the arse end of a building overlooking what could develop into one of our cities most famous and visited locations is reeeeeeeeeaaaaaaalllllly frickin' irresponsible on our so called "planners" part :nono:

How many staff are going to be going back and forth between the BBC and ITV on a daily basis?

Hardly any. Corrie will be self contained and self sufficient. ITV in the Orange building will have negligible need to physically cross over regularly. The security turnstile on the quayside will accommodate this small need.

All Corrie artistes and most Corrie crew will be using the TWR gate as main access.

Saw this picture over at Digital Spy
http://i50.************/dzje9w.jpg

I stumbled upon dozens of on site pictures on another forum (came across it while googling)
-Pic removed-

It's worth bookmarking if this is a project you are interested in as the guy taking the pictures said he will keep taking them
http://www.digital-forums.com/showthread.php/873383-coronation-st

It's worth bookmarking if this is a project you are interested in as the guy taking the pictures said he will keep taking them
http://www.digital-forums.com/showthread.php/873383-coronation-st

Unfortunately, I got this:

"Digital Forums is now private and can only be accessed by using a valid account."

I'm guessing those pictures werent meant to be taken, so I'll get rid of the one in this thread too

I'm guessing those pictures werent meant to be taken, so I'll get rid of the one in this thread too

leave them - theres no copyright msg on them and well once you put stuff up on the t'interweb it can be there forever!

I'm surprised there moving the Coronation Street set to the Quays with the noise from nearby factories (i.e. Hovis) and the wind.

I'm surprised there moving the Coronation Street set to the Quays with the noise from nearby factories (i.e. Hovis) and the wind.

If you look back over earlier pages of this thread we had this debate then...:nuts::nuts:

I'm surprised there moving the Coronation Street set to the Quays with the noise from nearby factories (i.e. Hovis) and the wind.

Tell me, do screaming children in open atriums also annoy you?

Tell me, do screaming children in open atriums also annoy you?

Oooh, they really grind my gears, I can tell you!

Crying babies?

:gaah: :madwife: :booze: :angel:

Things moving quite nicely along now with this project a quick photo update for all...

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P9220762_zpsefb66af0.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P9220763_zps18270ccc.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P9220764_zps52c2010d.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P9220765_zpsc8350bdf.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P9220766_zps292b864f.jpg

Nice. Looks like they could be moving in come springtime?

Not sure what's going on...but they appear to have taken part of the studios apart again!
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p136/nickthegreek2k2/corrie3.jpg

That's quite strange actually, could it be linked to this?
http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/12074-itv-s-coronation-street-move-hit-by-steel-fault.html

Tbh I really can't see on my tiny android screen what we are looking at. It still looks like the edge of the studio block no difference.

A whole section of one of the studio 'wings' off the main building has disappeared. You can now see straight through to the street itself above the TOWIE itv2 poster above.

Think it definitely has something to do with the steel problem- very strange for the outer frame at least to be almost complete and then disassemble a good three metre chunk of it.

I just saw this picture on Mark Whitfield's latest photo set (http://www.mawhitfield.co.uk/mediacityuk%20bbc%20north%20university%20salford%20quays%20manchester%20peel%20nwda%20jobs/bbcmediacityukweb2012q2s/index.html)

http://i49.************/2z3ryfl.jpg

So it's definately the steel beams that are being addressed

Half of the 'wing' running alongside the canal has been completely dismantled now!

Wow. Sounds like a major cock-up! Send Tracey Barlow round to sort 'em out!

It's now completely gone! Complete mess up!

MEN are reporting on it now -http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1590672_new-studio-at-coronation-streets-salford-quays-home-pulled-down-and-rebuilt

Both wings completely gone.
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p136/nickthegreek2k2/photo-4.png

At least the main block looks practically finished, I can see theyve also put up the walls around the main set.

So rather than that blue logo in the old renders, this logo will be slapped on the front.
http://i45.************/k9w4lh.jpg

Is that their new logo? Looks like its been carved from ice cream :)

Haha, yup it is, though I'm not actually sure if its the coperate logo or the logo for ITV1 (soon to be just called ITV)

Update as promised last week,...

Taken from Trafford Wharf Rd and the IWM...

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P1050809.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P1050808.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P1050811.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P1050812.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P1050813.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P1050814.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P1050816.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P1050818.jpg

very difficult to tell how impressive (or not) this building is going to be on MCUK skyline, time will tell.

About as ugly as expected. Only saving grace could be a snazzy ITV sign that gets lit-up at night, but that's about it.

It's clear already that this building is an eyesore. It's dwarfed by the BBC building / Imperial War Museum / new bridge and the cladding screams low-rent industrial estate.

It pales next to the old Granada building, and it will be depressing for ITV workers to have the much higher quality and much larger BBC building looming over them.

But hey ho, it fills a hole I guess! It just shouldn't be dressed up as anything other than the crappiest possible filler.

Unsurprisingly, it is completely forgettable. You'd have thought given the fact it'll be home to Coronation street, one of the biggest Mancunian exports to the world, that they'd have made a bit of an effort in a bid to draw in some possible tourism.

Unsurprisingly, it is completely forgettable. You'd have thought given the fact it'll be home to Coronation street, one of the biggest Mancunian exports to the world, that they'd have made a bit of an effort in a bid to draw in some possible tourism.

I thought all the tourism was going to the old Quay St Corrie site? They were talking about tarting that up last year and making it an attraction

Theres been talk of retaining it as a tourist attraction but I dont think people believe it would be that successful if filming was occuring at a different site.

Sorry to be contrarian but I love the design of the studios it looks great and the curves maintain the water side connection.

And the building is suprisingly close to Trafford Wharf Rd,I thought maybe a bit of attractive paving,or is this some sort of sound proofing.

Its the backwall of the production lot. Will be a security wall/fence close to the road as well.

Typical ITV rubbish

GMP HQ is better than this shite. It has absolutely no charm whatsoever. Charmless.

So it fits right in with the rest of SQ then?

Inspiring.

http://www.soviart.com/stuff/IMG_0845.jpg

Yeah it's crap but let's face it, apart from the genius IWMN building next door, the Quays is pretty much all average/below average anyway. Plus, it's not like ITV have actually got any money to build something better.

Also it's a studio block.

Also the location is considered an industrial area

Exactly. People who think the Quays (either side) will develop into anything significant, architecurally speaking, need a reality check.

^^ I'm not so sure that's fair. in essence the Quays started from scratch just ~20 years ago. There'll be mistakes along the way, but look at what it's replacing: Industrial wasteland. The Quays for this reason cannot be compared like-for-like with the city centre.

If you look at what's been achieved in 20yrs, it isn't perfect, but it's still pretty impressive and there's so much potential for more.

Yeah a lot has been achieved in terms of land being opened up to development (primarily land owned by one giant land-owner but that´s another story altogether), and a lot of development has happened in 20 years. All completly average and uninspired. I think it´s fair to say this is just more of the same.

I think you have to give it a chance to establish itself before you see more eye catching architecture (excluding the IWMN/Lowry)

The biggest problem for me is scale. It's much smaller than the other newish buildings around it. In that respect it's a step backwards for the quays and a waste of one of the more important plots.

Fair enough it's a studio and is therefore of limited size, but perhaps such a building should have been situated somewhere other than a prime (for SQ) waterside location.

I think you have to give it a chance to establish itself before you see more eye catching architecture (excluding the IWMN/Lowry)

I think you’re probably dreaming of a future whereby the land isn’t owned by Peel Holdings for whom joined–up community planning, style, heritage, architectural quality, etc have never been part of their raison d’être.

FFS they were responsible for the Trafford Centre people!

The value of the land in Salford Quays is governed by the contaminated nature of the area which is why John Whittaker picked it up for peanuts in the 80's. This needs to be factored into the cost of building here (probably why the process has been so protracted) and why so much has been low-rent. It also probably dictates how deep into the soil excavation can occur in some areas- less of an issue for low height industrial units – and as such what else of value can be built here.

I.e. Building residential housing may be problematic hence why Peel are looking at Green Belt plots along the canal outside the outer ringroad such as Boysnope.

I suspect the fact that Peel are taking their ball down the road to Liverpool is as much about the fact that the easy plots have been filled here and all the grants bid for- and spent. Add to that their poor relationship with Manchester City Council and the general bankruptcy of Salford City Council, finding new friends/malleable councillors down the road probably represents the future direction for the company and their shareholders.

The only real attempts at good architecture at the Quays have been done through public money with the BBC, the Lowry and the IWMN buildings; even then only the IWMN has any claim to style and quality.

Manchester should put a bid in for the IWMN and move it inside the inner ringroad (maybe on the Water St plot next to the river)... and begin dismantling the bridges from the Salford side!

As I understand it Peel Holdings was originally "The Manchester Ship Canal Company" and owned all the land attached to the canals full length.It has to be said that 30 years ago you could not have given it away, and to give credit to Peel Holdings,they have really made things happen in that time. In someone elses hands,the full length of the canal,including the quays,may well be still lying derelict.

Exactly. Peel should be applauded for the amount of investment they've put into that area (and yes, that certainly includes the Trafford Centre!)

[Pics removed] The site these are from has removed theirs, I'm thinking ITV doesnt want these out.

As I understand it Peel Holdings was originally "The Manchester Ship Canal Company" and owned all the land attached to the canals full length.It has to be said that 30 years ago you could not have given it away, and to give credit to Peel Holdings,they have really made things happen in that time. In someone elses hands,the full length of the canal,including the quays,may well be still lying derelict. To be fair, there were many people who did not want to sell their stake in the Ship Canal Company to Whittaker. The alleged involvement of 'proxy' share buyers who then sold the share(s) to Peel is unsavoury.

To be fair, there were many people who did not want to sell their stake in the Ship Canal Company to Whittaker. The alleged involvement of 'proxy' share buyers who then sold the share(s) to Peel is unsavoury.

You are probably right there, in terms of my statement regarding the value of the land,it was just a throw away statement, and yes it was sad to see the demise of the Manchester Ship canal company,but I wonder how things would be now if the old board was still in place. It just maybe that ,the quays, the BBC, ITV, the Trafford Centre,etc etc would not be there.

A lowrise disappointment. It diminishes the Quays.

itv/Corrie set from Trafford Wharf Rd

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab80/iheartthenew/328DA5F8-A2F9-4314-A151-04929EA1636E-276-000000AC3D3F3381_zps3eb3e2df.jpg

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab80/iheartthenew/56E05A88-D55D-4089-8B29-F4EA1BA94422-276-000000AC387DBBC4_zpsf60b9408.jpg

I think the waterfront side of the studios is fine. No point trying to upstage Liebeskind!

Also, the news of a Jack Duckworth statue at the studios did make me laugh!

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-and-tv/statue-bill-tarmey-coronation-streets-1346513

Also, the news of a Jack Duckworth statue at the studios did make me laugh!

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-and-tv/statue-bill-tarmey-coronation-streets-1346513

Made me laugh as well. Could have been worse though. Could have been that lass with the frizzy ginger hair, her with the face of an old woman. I mean, 90% of these Coronation St 'actors' will only ever get their mugs on a tv screen again (once they've left) when they're on CCTV when they get a job on the tills in Sainsburys. I'm sure there are more deserving characters from Acorn Antiques St that warrant being turned into an immortal statue

Or maybe a sculpture of a giant hot pot

I went past the new Coronation St site on Trafford Wharf Rd today,and there doesnt seem to be anything there at all,apart from a new white tiled wall on the perimeter.Have they knocked it all down again,or am I looking in the wrong place.

I went past the new Coronation St site on Trafford Wharf Rd today,and there doesnt seem to be anything there at all,apart from a new white tiled wall on the perimeter.Have they knocked it all down again,or am I looking in the wrong place.

Awesome! It's still there. Next to the Imperial War Museum.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonnywalker/8567970869/sizes/l/in/pool-19134572@N00/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonnywalker/8567970869/sizes/l/in/pool-19134572@N00/
That's a great angle on it too! It looks like they're almost complete with the actual set.

That's a great angle on it too! It looks like they're almost complete with the actual set.

Theres a hell of a lot of work left with the backlot set yet, and thats the part thats ahead!

Work progresses well on the back lot of the new studios with what I presume will be part of the Coronation St set...

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P4070822.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P4070823.jpg

Sorry about the quality of the photgraphs for these.

When you look at the Coronation Street set from the Media City side you can now see the tram viaduct in place - looks wide enough for a tram to trundle along it in shot. It is loss that the set doesn't extend to the canal basin to the north - it would have been interesting to see the characters decide to pop down onto the water out of their back doors.

First official picture released over at Coronation Street Blog (http://coronationstreetupdates.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/first-official-pic-coronation-streets.html)

First official picture released over at Coronation Street Blog (http://coronationstreetupdates.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/first-official-pic-coronation-streets.html)

Thanks.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FqJ3By4Dw04/UWwDrTcgo0I/AAAAAAAAeAI/1d-T_xH6LUg/s1600/Coronation+Street+Blog.jpg

Some more new pics here:

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s3/coronation-street/scoop/a473588/new-coronation-street-set-at-mediacityuk-first-pictures.html

Airviews photography (http://www.airviews.info/itv.html) has resumed posting pictures now the news is out

http://i.imgur.com/6PrNRqk.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/sgoDCOh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/EsapcyL.jpg

Airviews photography (http://www.airviews.info/itv.html) has resumed posting pictures now the news is out

http://i.imgur.com/6PrNRqk.jpg

This just shows how bonkers the fake bridge behind / next to the Rovers Return is - it just dumps its 'potential' traffic over it into the back yards of the streets :bash:

:lol:

This is the current set:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ieqsyxnYlNo/THy_s381I4I/AAAAAAAALYw/cFY2ctyroRU/s1600/coronation-street-aerial.jpg

This just shows how bonkers the fake bridge behind / next to the Rovers Return is - it just dumps its 'potential' traffic over it into the back yards of the streets :bash:

They could have amended it, angled it/set it back, I doubt many fans of Corrie would have noticed....:lol::lol::lol:

Here's a good current/new set comparison
https://www.dropbox.com/s/nqdiy2makq0477h/2013-04-17%2001.48.17.jpg

The Rovers and the shop seem to have gained some extra width relative to the rest of the terrace (and yes, I know the whole set is bigger). The Rovers has even gained an extra window!