BBC, London

A new, vibrant, high-tech workplace for BBC Worldwide 

As part of its long-term property strategy, the BBC wanted to free up part of the iconic television center in London for something new. The aim was to create a vibrant, high-tech global headquarters for its commercial arm: BBC Worldwide. 

As the designated project manager, Drees & Sommer UK worked with two stakeholders: BBC Worldwide and the owner, BBC Commercial Holdings. The experts also managed the planning team and other stakeholders. 

They started by gutting the 11,000 m2 office space, which included extensive asbestos removal work and then fundamentally modernized the building with significant structural changes. 

A new steel substructure was required for the existing building shell and core. Existing concrete slabs also had to make way for a new atrium, which means the building now has a vertically open structure across all floors. 

The rooms were given higher ceilings, and a grand staircase was created in the center of the building. All of this serves the concept of creating a vibrant working environment and strengthening the sense of community. 

The experts installed a high level of new technology throughout the building to promote a vibrant working environment and the digital focus of work. The headquarters was successfully completed in line with all cost, schedule, and quality targets.