BBC Broadcasting House redevelopment completed

Construction work on Broadcasting House has been completed and the building handed to the BBC by developer Land Securities and building contractor Bovis Lend Lease. Redeveloping Broadcasting House has enabled the BBC to make potential savings of over £172 million from the disposal of other BBC properties in London. News teams are expected to move in during 2012, allowing the corporation to close Bush House and Television Centre.

The building’s redevelopment is part of the BBC’s 2020 Property Vision, to re-shape the BBC estate at minimum cost. Broadcasting House is located at the north end of Regent Street in London’s West End. More than 5000 staff will work at the multimedia production and broadcast centre, providing television, radio and online services.

BBC chief operating officer Caroline Thomson said: “This world-class facility will deliver public service broadcasting to a global audience and provide an accessible, public space where broadcaster and audience can meet.”
(Source: propertyweek.com/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

M15 endorse 'ring of steel' for Broadcasting House

The BBC has been given the final go-ahead to build a fortress-style parapet around Broadcasting House to defend it from terrorist attack. Under the £5million scheme, which has been endorsed by British Security Service MI5, an imposing “ring of steel” consisting of hydraulic rising bollards and concrete planters is being erected around the landmark building in London’s Portland Place. Parking spaces will be lost from the immediate perimeter to “prevent vehicular attack”. Work is due to be completed by November.

Full story at West End Extra: http://www.westendextra.com/news/2010/jul/mi5-endorse-ring-steel-broadcasting-house-bbc-gets-go-ahead-anti-terror-plans
(R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)