The three are Allied London (developers of the adjacent Spinningfields site), the Ask/Crosby Lendlease consortium (developers of the Rossetti Place on GTV’s former Schoolhouse plot) and London & Regional.

The three developers have now been asked to work up more detailed plans for the 24 acre site which includes the Quay Street HQ, the Coronation Street set and studios, its additional buildings along Quay Street and towards Water Street and GTV’s sizeable car parking plots by the river Irwell.

There is increasing pressure on ITV to relocate to mediacity:uk at Salford Quays but equally Sir Howard Bernstein and Manchester city council are determined that the TV company remains in Castlefield and regenerates and extends the site.

A third option, a sale of the site and leasing a much smaller footprint, has not been ruled out either it is understood. GTV is said to require at least 350,000 sq ft of new office and studio space at whatever location it decides on.

ITV Granada managing director Susan Woodward said:" The site development plan affects the lives of around 1,000 employees at Quay Street and is not a decision to be taken lightly.

"We believe that after two years of robust internal challenge and examination we will reach a decision that is right for our business, its employees and the city region."

Mark Stretton, ITV’s director of property, said he expects to conclude a deal with one of the three developers by the end of this year.

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