What Happened to the Old BBC Television Centre?
The iconic BBC Television Centre, a landmark in Shepherds Bush, London, served as a hub of broadcasting innovation for over five decades. But what became of this legendary building after the BBC moved out? This article explores the history of Television Centre, its unique design, famous shows produced within its walls, and its transformation in recent years.
From Broadcasting Hub to Modern Complex
Designed by Graham Dawbarn and opened in 1960, the BBC Television Centre was a technological marvel, boasting state-of-the-art facilities. Its distinctive circular main block, affectionately nicknamed the “doughnut,” housed technical equipment, studios, offices, and artist spaces. The design was inspired by the triangular shape of the site itself, a plot of land previously used for the Franco-British Exhibition of 1908. Dawbarn’s ingenious circular layout maximized space and efficiency, connecting studios to a scenery block via a covered walkway for seamless production.
A bronze statue of a muscular nude man holding a ring of fire representing the Sun. He stands atop the world.
At its heart stood the Helios statue, a bronze sculpture by T. B. Huxley-Jones depicting the Greek god of the sun. This symbolized the global reach of television broadcasting. The two reclining figures at the base of the statue represent Sound and Vision, the essential components of television.
A Legacy of Iconic Television
Television Centre housed eight studios, with Studio TC1 being one of the largest in Britain. Countless beloved programs were filmed there, including Fawlty Towers, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Blue Peter, Absolutely Fabulous, classic Doctor Who, and Strictly Come Dancing. The Centre was also home to the cherished Blue Peter garden, a treasured memory for generations of viewers. Though the garden has been relocated to MediaCityUK in Salford, its legacy remains tied to Television Centre.
The shift towards film and single-camera video production in the mid-1990s rendered some aspects of Television Centre less suitable for modern production techniques. The House of Eliott, filmed in 1994, marked the last major drama series shot at the Centre.
The Rebirth of Television Centre
In 2012, the BBC sold Television Centre. The building underwent extensive refurbishment, transforming into a mixed-use development featuring premium apartments, offices, and restaurants. Crucially, three television studios, including the massive TC1, were retained and modernized. This ensures that the site continues to play a role in television production. BBC Studios, the BBC’s commercial production and distribution arm, now has its headquarters at the revitalized Television Centre.
The redevelopment of Television Centre successfully blends its historical significance with modern living and working spaces. While its primary function has shifted, the spirit of innovation and creativity that defined the building for decades continues to resonate within its walls. The site stands as a testament to the evolution of television and the enduring power of iconic architecture.
