Three and a half years later, the skyline has been transformed, sunshine glints off thousands of windows, there's a Metrolink stop disgorging workers and visitors alike into the plaza, and Salford regularly features on BBC radio and TV credits. The mammoth construction project has certainly helped put Manchester on the collective consciousness of many more people.
There's been a mixture support and disquiet from locals (and relocated BBC staff too) but there's a discernable 'halo' effect for businesses in and around the MediaCityUK / Salford Quays site, especially for media and production. It'll be interesting to come back in another 32 months and see what's changed in the meantime…