It's a much better location, up at the new(ish) Media City at Salford Quays rather than in the city centre (albeit near the outskirts) as it is now. Last I heard there was a row about some old tanks right by it they are putting back into service - fuel I think - there was some furore about it on the local news lately.
Wonder if that is where Jeremy Kyle is (or is going), used to see all the people queuing up outside to go watch it in the morning when I worked right by there.
I imagine the cast might prefer it, I have seen loads of them over the years, both around Granada Studios and in local bars and walking about. Not watched it for years though so would only recognise the old timers or more famous ones now. I imagine it will be a bit less public for them to come in and out of work.
I remember when they filmed the tram crash they had to give out warnings due to the effects they were using in case people nearby got worried.