Coronation Street reveals massive set expansion as Weatherfield Precinct is finally brought to life

CORONATION Street bosses have announced a massive new set extension for later this year.

The cobbles will finally reveal the much-mentioned Weatherfield Precinct as part of a major new investment into the Manchester set.

The new expansion will feature a two storey construction including maisonettes, a staircase and balcony leading to the properties, a piazza and an array of accessible local shops and units

As part of the wider Weatherfield community, the precinct has often cropped up in the soap’s dialogue with characters heading off to the parade of shops. 

The new set will afford scriptwriters the chance to make the most of the show’s broadening horizons, creating opportunities to explore storylines beyond the cobbles of Coronation Street itself.

 Corrie boss Iain MacLeod said: “The fabled Weatherfield Precinct has been much discussed, but little seen on the show in our 61 years, and I am really excited to be expanding the Coronation Street universe. 

“The plans for the shopping area are drawn directly from the real-world Salford environs that inspired the show’s creator Tony Warren and exemplify the authenticity and ambition we still prize as we move to hour-long episodes this week.”

Production Designer, Rosie Mullins-Hoyle is behind the major expansion that finally begins construction this week.

It will take six months before filming can take place on the new set.

Rosie said: “I cannot wait to meet the characters that may call it home and see the businesses that will be created and the storytelling potential of an old but new part of Weatherfield.”

Head of ITV in the North John Whiston added: “As we (hopefully) come out of Covid and start to stretch our dramatic legs again, it will be great to be able to play exciting new stories against a brand new backdrop. 

“And it's a testament to the confidence ITV has in the show that it is investing so much in our future. 

“Mind you, I guess it won't be long before we blow it up, burn it down or crash a tram into it.”

The current Media City based set has been the programme’s home since 2014.

In 2018 bosses massively expanded it to bring Victoria Street into common use.

The Victoria Street set, including Victoria Gardens, Speed Daal, the Weatherfield Tram stop, Trim Up North, George Shuttleworth’s funeral parlour and Edison Bailey’s builder’s yard, opened in 2018. 

Legendary Corrie actress, Sue Nicholls hosted proceedings, cutting the ribbon at a specially convened ceremony.