The BBC is to exit Bridge House in MediaCityUK, where BBC Children’s and Education and some BBC Sport and operations staff are based.
The move is part of the BBC’s ongoing cost-cutting operations, and it will further reduce its property footprint by departing Wogan House in London, home to some of Radio 2 and 6 Music’s programme teams and staff from other BBC departments. The moves are expected to be completed in the spring of 2024.
The Bridge House staff, numbering 945 at the last count, will move to alternative MediaCity sites at Quay House and Dock House. In London, programmes currently recorded and broadcast in Wogan House will move into existing BBC buildings, primarily to nearby Broadcasting House.
The BBC also notes that a reduction in the size of its estate will help deliver its net zero commitments, as a smaller property footprint will lead to a reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions. It also complements the adoption of hybrid working, which has resulted in changes to how we use our buildings.
Peel Media, the developer and operator of MediaCityUK, added that it would be working with the BBC on the process, including by making more flexible workspace available to the broadcaster when needed.
Stephen Wild, managing director of MediaCity said: “Over the years the BBC has grown its commitment to MediaCity and is continuing to do so, however, we recognise that our occupiers are adapting their ways of working and, as such, we have responded with the expansion of our flexible workspace ARRIVE. Likewise, we’ll work with our partners at the BBC in streamlining their floor space at MediaCity. Working and operating from a sustainable environment is a priority and our occupiers benefit from MediaCity being one of the most highly sustainable destinations in the UK.”
Audiences will not notice any changes to programmes and services as a result of the moves taking place.
