Published
Tue, Jun 5, 2018, 15:50
- It will be replaced by a new facility in East London, opening in 2022.
The BBC is moving out of its Maida Vale Studios.
The BBC director general, Tony Hall, said in an email to staff that the radio programming home would be moving to East London, according to the BBC. They will be building a new "state-of-the-art" facility in Stratford's Olympic Park, which is expected to be ready by 2022.
"I understand how much our musical heritage at Maida Vale means to us, to artists and to audiences," said Lord Hall. "We haven't taken this decision lightly. But we're determined to ensure that live music remains at the heart of the BBC and moving to this new development gives us the opportunity to do just that." He later added that the move means the BBC will "be able to record and broadcast more live music than ever before."
Maida Vale Studios, which was built in 1909 as a roller-skating venue, was home to the BBC Radiophonic Workshop until its close in 1998. The space also hosts BBC Symphony Orchestra and live performances for its radio programmes, including Radio 1's Live Lounge sessions. Jeff Mills, Richie Hawtin, David Bowie, Beyoncé, The Beatles and The Fall all feature on the long and varied list of high-profile acts who have performed at Maida Vale.
The Guardian reports that the BBC will work with East London schools and groups to bring music education to local students and will open up digital archives to schools globally.
Watch our film on the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
Photo credit: Daphne Oram Trust