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Pies Stop, Productions Roll

Pies Stop, Productions Roll

The last time a pie was produced at Freshbakes Pie Factory on Salford Quays was in October 2005.

Since then, the huge 1970’s building has awaited a verdict on its future which at one point was edging towards demolition, with the possibility of a car park taking its place.

Step up Andy and Janet Sumner, owners of Manchester’s Whitworth Street West post-production company, Sumners. Straight away, they saw the potential of converting the factory (50,000 sq ft of shopfloor plus 20,000 sq ft office space) into a brand new state-of-the-art television sound stage complex.

A joint venture was agreed with Mediacity site owners Peel Holdings, and the vast empty space is now undergoing a major transformation to incorporate a full costume department; make-up rooms, dressing rooms, production office space and five sound stages.

Andy explains: “There are five ‘stages’ in the building named Leeds, Salford, Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire. They’re all aptly linked via the ‘M62’ Corridor, a throwback to the Freshbake days, and especially with the exceptional ceiling height and stage dimensions, it’s really flexible for a range of filming.”

Understandably, Andy is very excited about the Pie Factory which sits ideally on Broadway, and is the only building on MediaCity:UK site; a creative metropolis that will become the new media production centre of the UK and even further afield.

Linked by the Metrolink tram system (Broadway station is immediately adjacent), the area also has good access from the motorway network with Manchester city centre just ten minutes away.

For independent television companies and major broadcasters alike, the Pie Factory will be a major benefit to their future in this forward-thinking, exciting environment

“We have already started setting up because we want to be on site before MediaCity even begins development; in effect, the Pie Factory is the first ’green shoots’ of the Mediacity project. The Pie Factory will have its own unique work ethic combined with a touch of the Sumner’s magic: for example, we intend on having the Lowry (a local performing and visual arts centre) on board to provide catering and ensure that all Pie Factory clients and workers have the best possible service,” says Janet.

It is expected that many established companies will soon be operating within the Pie Factory and Hat Trick North have already set up in the building (filming Drop Dead Gorgeous) alongside BBC Comedy North filming Small Time. Shameless creator Paul Abbot, as well as being a key driving force for the project, has taken space for his production company, Tightrope North.

“To sum the place up, I think it is exactly what is needed to kick start Mediacity. We will be able to offer adaptability, technology and most of all just a little bit of Sumners ‘fairy dust’ and exceedingly good cakes!”