Did ITV Take Over BBC Television Centre?
Designed by Graham Dawbarn and opened in 1960, BBC Television Centre was a pioneering hub for television production, boasting cutting-edge technology. Located in Shepherd’s Bush, London, on the grounds of the former 1908 Franco-British exhibition, the complex was affectionately nicknamed “TVC” by its staff. It was a significant milestone, representing the third purpose-built television production center globally, following ABC in Australia and Granada Television in Manchester. However, it held the distinction of being the first conceived television center of its kind.
The unique circular design of the main building, known as the “doughnut,” housed technical equipment, artist facilities, and administrative offices. Studios were strategically arranged around this central hub, connected by a covered walkway to a scenery block for efficient set movement. This design facilitated a smooth and integrated production process, a testament to Dawbarn’s innovative vision. The story goes that Dawbarn, struggling with the triangular shape of the site, found inspiration in a local pub. Sketching the site and a question mark on an envelope, he realized the question mark’s form provided the perfect solution for incorporating eight studios, production galleries, dressing rooms, workshops, recording areas, and offices, while also accommodating truck access and separate areas for audiences and guests.
The iconic Helios statue, crafted by T. B. Huxley-Jones, stands in the central garden. This bronze sculpture of the Greek sun god, erected in 1960, symbolizes the global reach of television broadcasting. Two reclining figures at the base of the statue represent sound and vision, the fundamental elements of television. This artistic centerpiece served as a reminder of the building’s purpose and the power of the medium it housed.
Initially, Television Centre housed eight studios, with sizes ranging from 110 square meters to the impressive 995 square meters of Studio TC1, which was once the second largest television studio in Britain. This vast space accommodated a wide array of productions, contributing to the center’s reputation for excellence. The center was home to numerous iconic television programs, including Fawlty Towers, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Blue Peter, Absolutely Fabulous, classic Doctor Who, and Strictly Come Dancing. It also housed the beloved Blue Peter garden, a cherished feature for generations of children, which has since been relocated to Media City studios in Salford.
The final major drama series filmed at Television Centre was The House of Eliott in 1994. The shift in production towards film and single-camera video rendered the facility less suitable for contemporary drama production, leading to a decline in its use for this purpose. This marked a turning point in the center’s history, as its role in television production began to evolve. While ITV did not take over BBC Television Centre, the BBC sold the building in 2012. It has since undergone extensive renovations, transforming into premium flats and offices while retaining three television studios, including the flagship TC1. BBC Studios, the commercial production and sales arm of the BBC, now maintains its headquarters at the site, ensuring a continued BBC presence. This redevelopment signifies a new chapter for the iconic building, blending its historical significance with contemporary uses.
