The Stage

‘Iconic’ Television Centre should get listed status, says English Heritage

Published Monday 30 June 2008 at 14:45 by Matthew Hemley

English Heritage has requested that parts of BBC Television Centre receive Grade II listed status in recognition of its “cultural and architectural” significance.

The conservation body said it had requested that Television Centre’s canteen, built in the fifties and which overlooks the Blue Peter garden, and the “distinctive circular drum” that houses offices and main studios be listed alongside the scenery workshops.

Its request has to receive consent from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Peter Beacham, English Heritage’s heritage protection director, said: “This building is not just architecturally important. As one of the first purpose-built television studios in the world, it represents the moment when Britain led Europe into the television age. The BBC itself is an important part of our British identity and Television Centre has acquired an iconic presence.”

He added that the nation had an “immense fondness” for the building and said: “We all feel we know areas such as the Blue Peter garden and the studios where people have watched significant moments in broadcasting over the last 50 years - from early Doctor Who to Top of the Pops, Terry Wogan and Children in Need.”

English Heritage said that marking Television Centre’s national importance would not “affect its ability to adapt to changing technology or new uses”.