BBC Television Centre buildings set for demolition
The BBC is to announce its plans for a multimillion pound redevelopment of its west London site. The BBC’s Television Centre first opened in June 1960 and some of the original buildings are now in a state of decay. These are likely to be demolished as part of plans to sell the buildings and turn the site into a 23-acre “creative quarter”.
The full demolition and rebuild proposal is yet to be unveiled but it has been reported that the BBC intends to share the redeveloped site with other creative organizations, such as independent production companies and even YouTube. The corporation also intends to rent back some of its old studios.
Television Centre is home to a number of well known buildings and locations, some of which will gain Grade II status whereas others, such as the Blue Peter garden, are likely to be sold. The iconic “concrete doughnut” structure was last year listed and so will be preserved.
The BBC’s plans are part of a broader regeneration scheme across London’s W12 district and developments are said to still be in very early negotiations. The BBC property chief, Chris Kane, said "It's the family silver and I'm not selling it cheap."
