Coronation Street bosses have unveiled plans for a new location in Weatherfield.
The production of the long-running soap has continued to expand since the set moved to a new home in 2014.
The Weatherfield universe has broadened its horizons to give fans a glimpse of new backdrops such as Speed Daal, Trim Up North, George Shuttleworth’s funeral parlour and Edison Bailey’s builder’s yard.
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Coronation Street's series producer has announced viewers will soon be able to see scenes in the fabled Weatherfield Precinct, which has "been much discussed, but little seen on the show".
Iain MacLeod said: "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 show's production designer said development on the set begins this week - and will take six months to complete before the programme’s cast and crew can begin to film new storylines.
Rosie Mullins-Hoyle said: An incredible amount of research has been carried out focusing 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.
"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.”
The plans for the new location have been released on the week the show moves to hour long episodes in its new 8pm time slot.
The head of ITV in the North has said the new location is a testament to the continued confidence the broadcasters have in the long-running soap.
John Whiston said: "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.”
Coronation Street airs weekdays on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on ITV and the ITV Hub
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