What Happened to the BBC Television Centre?
The iconic BBC Television Centre, affectionately known as the “doughnut,” was a hub of innovation and creativity for decades. But what became of this broadcasting giant after the BBC moved out? This article explores the history of Television Centre, its unique design, its transition to new ownership, and what the site looks like today.
From Broadcasting Hub to Modern Complex
Designed by Graham Dawbarn and opened in 1960, the BBC Television Centre in Shepherd’s Bush, London, was a pioneering facility, representing the forefront of television technology. Its distinctive circular design housed technical equipment, studios, and offices, all connected by a covered walkway. This unique layout facilitated the smooth movement of sets and equipment, crucial for efficient broadcasting.
The circular “doughnut” shape arose from a moment of inspiration. Dawbarn, struggling with the triangular plot of land, sketched a question mark in the center of a triangle representing the site. This question mark, he realized, held the key to the building’s design, allowing for eight studios, production galleries, and other essential spaces to be seamlessly integrated.
A bronze statue of a muscular nude man holding a ring of fire representing the Sun. He stands atop the world.
At the heart of the building stood the Helios statue, symbolizing the global reach of television broadcasting. This sculpture, created by T. B. Huxley-Jones, depicts the Greek sun god radiating light, with figures representing Sound and Vision at its base.
The End of an Era and a New Beginning
Television Centre was home to countless beloved programs, including Fawlty Towers, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Blue Peter, Absolutely Fabulous, and Doctor Who. Studio TC1, once the second-largest television studio in Britain, hosted numerous iconic moments in broadcasting history.
However, by the 1990s, production methods shifted. The rise of single-camera filming and location shooting made the purpose-built studios of Television Centre less suitable for modern productions. The last major drama series filmed there was The House of Eliott in 1994.
In 2012, the BBC sold Television Centre. The building underwent extensive renovation, transforming into a mixed-use development with premium apartments, offices, and, crucially, three remaining television studios, including the legendary TC1. BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the BBC, maintains its headquarters on-site, ensuring a continued link to the site’s broadcasting heritage.
Television Centre Today
While the BBC Television Centre no longer serves as the corporation’s primary broadcasting hub, its legacy lives on. The redevelopment preserved key elements of the original design, ensuring that the “doughnut” remains a recognizable landmark. The continued use of studio space for television production ensures that the spirit of innovation and creativity that defined Television Centre for so many years continues to thrive. The site’s transformation showcases a successful blend of historical preservation and modern adaptation, allowing this iconic building to continue playing a role in London’s cultural landscape.
