Broadcasting House

Broadcasting House stands in the City of Westminster, its Portland stone façade rising between Langham Place and Portland Place. The main building, completed in 1932, was designed by George Val Myer with interiors by Raymond McGrath and his team including Serge Chermayeff. Its Art Deco style includes a windowless brick core for studios to block outside noise, while the outer steel-framed section has large windows. The building was Grade II* listed from the start, recognising its architectural importance. A hundred-year-old sewer and the Bakerloo line running beneath caused construction delays. The ground floor’s tall windows were meant for retail, a plan never realised as the BBC expanded too quickly. The building now houses most of the BBC’s national radio stations except Radio 5 Live, along with BBC News and the World Service. The John Peel Wing, added in 2005 and renamed in 2012, contains studios for Radio 1, Radio 1Xtra, Radio 2 and Radio 6 Music. The Egton Wing links the original structure to the new extension, creating a shared plaza between them. BBC London, BBC Arabic Television and BBC Persian Television operate from the wing, with a single reception serving Radio 1 and 1Xtra. The BBC moved news operations from Television Centre in 2013, centralising London output in one place. Queen Elizabeth II opened the refurbished building in 2006 during her 80th birthday celebrations. Visitors find a blend of original Art Deco detailing and modern additions. The BBC Radio Theatre, with its green rooms and dressing spaces, still hosts live recordings. The reception area keeps its original message and statue as a focal point. The Egton Wing’s Portland stone matches the main building, while its modern windows and rear block create a clear contrast. The plaza between the wings offers a quiet space in the heart of the building. Inside, refurbished studios for Radio 3, Radio 4 and the World Service sit alongside the combined newsroom. The sloped roof and careful soundproofing remain visible reminders of the building’s original design.