The BBC has announced a major new investment in its Broadcasting House building in Belfast.
Proposals to transform the building, its technology and facilities have been approved by the BBC Board, with the BBC director general, Lord Tony Hall, announcing the investment to staff.
The £77 million investment means the corporation will be able to remain at its current location on Ormeau Avenue, a now-listed building that was first completed in 1941.
The BBC believes that the investment will:
– Establish a ‘technology centre of excellence’, allowing BBC Northern Ireland to take advantage of new and evolving technologies and test new approaches for the whole BBC. It will also allow BBC NI to optimise its current leading edge technology – such as the new state-of-the-art, hybrid BBC Newsline studio and renovated BBC Radio Ulster studios.
– Create a much more accessible building with improved and new audience areas to enhance the experience and time spent with the BBC. There will also be improvements made to the television studio in BBC Blackstaff which is home to a wide range of popular shows.
– Minimise the building’s environmental footprint associated with energy, water and waste.
Peter Johnston, director, BBC Northern Ireland. said “This is a big decision for the BBC and it’s about much more than just bricks and mortar. This new investment will maintain and enhance our rich heritage and history on this site in exciting new ways well into the future.”
