Outside the box: Transforming BBC Television Centre
The former home of British television reopens this year as a collection of luxury flats, restaurants and public spaces
Once a regular and recognisable sight on the small screen, the famous Television Centre is undergoing a major transformation, turning the former home of the BBC into an ambitious project encompassing 950 new homes and a plethora of restaurants, entertainment and green spaces.
Due to complete later this year, the most recent addition to the scheme is a second outpost of the popular Chelsea dining destination Bluebird Cafe, with the new larger premises promising a cafe, bar, deli and outdoor terrace. It will sit alongside a number of other restaurants set to open within the building, joined by a four-screen cinema for residents and a new Soho House site, which will comprise a 47-bedroom hotel, rooftop pool and private members' club.
Once lovingly referred to as 'the concrete doughnut' by the late Sir Terry Wogan, in the last decade the White City landmark has gained Grade II-listed status for many of its architectural elements – a showcase for mid-century design – which hold a special place in the nation's hearts. Among its most distinctive features is the circular courtyard, the Helios, where a statue of the Greek god stands. This outdoor space will be open to the public for the first time, while the apartments that overlook the space are set to become some of the most sought-after in west London.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The broadcasting organisation's legacy will also be retained – and paid tribute to – in various ways. BBC Worldwide has already returned its headquarters to the location, while three of the centre's main television studios, which have hosted countless hits such as Strictly Come Dancing and Top of the Pops, are set to reopen in 2017, ensuring it's not the last we'll see of the centre on our screens.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
5 sleeper hit cartoons about Trump's struggles to stay awake in court
Cartoons Artists take on courtroom tranquility, war on wokeness, and more
By The Week US Published
-
The true story of Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
In depth The writer's fall from grace with his high-flying socialite friends in 1960s Manhattan is captured in a new Disney+ series
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
Scottie Scheffler: victory for the 'pre-eminent golfer of this era'
Why Everyone's Talking About Masters victory is Scheffler's second in three years
By The Week Staff Published
-
Aitch or haitch: the linguisitic debate that 'matters a lot'
Talking Point 'University Challenge' host Amol Rajan has promised to change the way he pronounces the letter 'H'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The Secret Army: the IRA propaganda film forgotten for almost 50 years
Why Everyone's Talking About 'Chilling' BBC documentary reveals how US TV crew documented the inner workings of paramilitary group in 1970s
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Inseparable Sisters: uplifting BBC documentary about conjoined twins
The Week Recommends A 'refreshingly human and optimistic' portrayal that balances reality with positivity
By The Week UK Published
-
Annie Nightingale obituary: the trailblazing DJ who was Radio 1's longest-serving presenter
Obituary The first female DJ on BBC Radio 1, Nightingale paved the way for Annie Mac, Jo Whiley, Zoe Ball, Sara Cox and many more
By The Week Staff Published
-
Doctor Who: 60 years of time-travelling tomfoolery
Why Everyone's Talking About Special episodes celebrate show's past as Whovians look forward to new seasons ahead
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
Jimmy Savile: is The Reckoning a dramatisation too far?
Talking Point Steve Coogan's BBC series deemed a 'lurid story told mainly for ratings'
By The Week Staff Published
-
Henpocalypse! review: ‘bawdy’ BBC Two comedy set in remote Wales
The Week Recommends It may be ‘a bit coarse’ but the characters become more likeable as the series goes on
By The Week Staff Published
-
Television: the great British turn-off
Talking Point TV viewership in the UK has seen its sharpest ever decline, latest figures suggest
By The Week Staff Published