The BBC has formally launched plans to redevelop its Maida Vale studios, W9, home of the recording sessions made famous by the late DJ John Peel.
It has started an Official Journal of the European Union process, inviting parties to submit proposals for redeveloping the site into a mixed-use scheme, with studio use to be occupied by the BBC.
A spokesman for the broadcasting giant said: “The BBC has commenced an OJEU procurement process for a substantial refurbishment or redevelopment of its Maida Vale studios. The existing studio building requires major investment to bring it up to a modern standard, so the BBC is considering its options.”
The OJEU posting comes seven months after the BBC appointed Lambert Smith Hampton to approach developers about initial ideas for the 1.1-acre site.
The complex of seven studios on Delaware Road, one of the earliest BBC premises, has been under threat of closure by BBC management owing to the need for costly repair work. It has also been subject to noise complaints, restricting operational hours.
The BBC said it would look to sell the site and consider a range of ownership and leasehold structures to facilitate proposals.
LSH will continue to advise the BBC.
joanna.bourke@estatesgazette.com
