Coronation Street bosses have announced plans for a brand new set expansion, that will introduce countless possibilities for new storylines.
The build is set to take just six months, and will bring viewers the Weatherfield Precinct, which has been mentioned on the ITV soap before.
The two-storey build will include maisonettes, a staircase and balcony which leads up to the properties.
There will also be a piazza and a number of accessible local shops and business units, which is set to enhance the ITV soap’s 7.7 acre site near Manchester.
The plans are the vision of production designer Rosie Mullins-Hoyle, and the construction begins this week with it expected to last six months.
(Image: ITV)
Then, the soap’s cast and crew can begin filming exciting storylines with the extended set.
Rosie said: “We are extremely excited to be starting to build Weatherfield Precinct this week after a year of technical drawings, model making, visualising and planning.
“An incredible amount of research has been carried out focussing on 1960s local architecture and we are striving to create an authentic area of Weatherfield with a grittier vibe to the existing street that we know and love.
(Image: ITV)
“The build is being led by myself and Construction Manager Keith Eccleston and is a fantastic opportunity to use some of the amazing behind the scene talents we have on the show with bespoke joinery, scenic art work, graphic design and set dressing skills all being involved.”
Rosie went on: “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.”
In the past, viewers have seen characters talk about heading off to the shops at the precinct, but the new set will allow fans to follow them there too.
(Image: Getty Images)
It means producers can expand storylines without worrying about the restraints of the cobbles.
Series producer 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.”
The announcement comes as Coronation Street moves to hour-long episodes at 8pm this week.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
