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BBC Centre designed on an envelope is given Grade II heritage status
Mira Bar-Hillel, Property Correspondent10.07.09
The BBC Television Centre in White City has been given architectural recognition.
The building, with its famous circular structure and historical significance in broadcasting, has been granted Grade II status by Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw.
The distinctive structure has been the location for some of the most significant moments in broadcasting over the past 50 years.
Early episodes of Doctor Who and Top of the Pops were filmed there and it is also the home of the Blue Peter Garden.
The building's architect, Graham Dawbarn, is said to have designed the building on an envelope in a local pub in the 1950s.
Reader views (3)
Will this change the plans underway to sell off BBC Television Centre, will it add value to the asking price already being negotiated.
OR is this a back door method to stop the demolishment of a prime White City refurbishment?
- William, Hay~Heath UK
That is truly excellent news. It means that the BBC Studios business can plan properly for the future and preserves this centre of excellence, which is to the long-term advantage of the BBC and the TV industry as a whole. Despite many programmes moving to the nations and regions, half of the BBC's output will still be made in London. If TV Centre had been demolished then the shortage of studios in London would have increased costs for all programme makers.
- Martin Kempton, Maidenhead UK
Oh NO, No No - that will add millions to the building's upkeep and maintaince.
- Jeremy E, Home Counties
