Stanhope — the developer behind some of London’s most iconic regeneration and construction projects — has confirmed it is just weeks away from naming a contractor for the £400m redevelopment of the BBC Television Centre.
The final two contenders for the contract to redevelop the complex are multinational property and infrastructure company, Lend Lease, which has its headquarters in Sydney, and London-based Mace.
Officially opened in 1960, the BBC’s west London headquarters remains one of the most instantly recognisable buildings in the world and was used as a backdrop for numerous television programmes. Inside it was the home of long running TV classics like Top of the Pops and Blue Peter and the groundbreaking Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
Last year the corporation stopped broadcasting from Television Centre after “inviting bid proposals from people looking for a conventional, freehold property or those interested in a joint venture”. The building was eventually sold to Stanhope for around £200m.
The 12-acre site is being transformed into a major mixed-use development that will include a business hub for the creative industries, a hotel, cinema, gym, restaurants and cafes, and almost 1,000 new homes.
In April this year, the developer unveiled updated plans, this time involving the demolition of two of the former BBC sound stages to make way for a new ten-storey office block fronting on to Hammersmith Park. The top floor of the building will contain London’s newest Soho House private members’ club with 47 bedrooms, a roof terrace, swimming pool and restaurants.
At the time, a Hamersmith and Fulham Council spokesman said: “The BBC Television Centre holds a very special place in many people’s hearts. By approving these plans, we have immortalised the key elements of this iconic building for the nation.”
Stanhope has always maintained it wants to “pay homage to the original use of the building” — which is Britain’s second oldest purpose-built television studio — including preserving the Grade II listed central ring and Studio One.
All the building work is expected to be finished by 2017 with three BBC production departments moving back from their temporary home at Elstree Studios.
“The corporation is continuing to work with Stanhope as the project develops to ensure the regeneration and legacy of this iconic building,” said Dominic Coles, BBC director of operations. “We are looking forward to BBC Worldwide and BBC Studios and post production returning to its new state-of-the-art facilities in a redeveloped Television Centre.”
Previous Post
Silverstone puts Northants in Pole Position for Growth
