Television Centre is to be transformed into a ‘creative hub’, guardian.co.uk reports.

The BBC’s iconic building in Wood Lane was sold recently to developer Stanhope for £200 million. Already, initial plans have been revealed for using the building for residential, office and leisure purposes, in addition to using studios for flagship shows like ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

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As part of the deal, the BBC ‘has secured an undisclosed share of future profits from the development’, having sold the leasehold agreement but not the freehold. Thus the corporation retains control for the meantime.

Revamp of the existing existing office blocks

Stanhope has appointed architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris to develop the wider plans, which may well include a total revamp of some of the older office blocks on the complex, possibly utilising external cladding to differentiate them from the rest of the buildings.

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Although it won’t all change; some parts of Television Centre, including the famous doughnut structure, have been awarded Grade II listed status and cannot be altered.

According to bdonline.co.uk, the site should be completely empty by 2015, having relocated staff elsewhere, and the redevelopment can begin. The BBC and other tenants will then move back into the refreshed property.

Mixed-use scheme for the building

Stanhope chief executive, David Camp said:

“We are looking forward to working with the BBC to deliver a vibrant, mixed-use scheme for the Television Centre.

“We will preserve and enhance the much loved iconic buildings surrounding the forecourt for workspace, hotel and residential use.”

Author: Elizabeth Smythe    Date Written: 23 Aug 2012