BBC considers Television Centre future

Though it has become an iconic part of the BBC's image, featuring in many of its own programmes, BBC Television Centre could be sold.

The 47-year old building is the BBC's largest property, but as reported on its own website, a BBC internal property review has questioned whether the building is still needed, with the forthcoming move to Salford near Manchester by key departments.

If the move goes ahead, 1,800 staff would need to move north, with hundreds of others moving to an upgraded Broadcasting House in central London in 2008.

The older parts of the original building, opened in 1960, need upgraded plumbing and wiring, as well as new technical equipment to bring it up to date with the demands of digital media.

Though the full findings of the report are not expected until the end of 2007, BBC bosses will be keen to see the results if the soon-to-be-announced licence fee settlement delivers, as most predict, less funding than it hoped.

A spokesman for the corporation said the BBC was costing a wide range of options as part of the review, including a major refurbishment of Television Centre.

The area around TV Centre also includes the more modern Media Village at White City, which opened in May 2004.