The BBC is putting its current headquarters in Cardiff up for sale this autumn as part of plans to relocate BBC Cymru Wales.
All services including the two radio stations operated by the BBC in Wales will move to a new purpose-built broadcast headquarters elsewhere in the capital by 2018.
The relocation plans have been developed in response to the growing technology difficulties facing programme-makers at the Llandaff headquarters.
The BBC will consider a number of potential sites for the new development and is working closely with the Welsh Government and a number of other partners.
The final plan – and the value for money it offers – will be subject to approval by the BBC Executive and Trust next spring once the project team has selected a preferred site and developer.
Anne Bulford, Managing Director of BBC Operations and Finance says: “We believe these exciting proposals could significantly strengthen BBC Cymru Wales’ role as the national broadcaster for Wales whilst also opening up new and exciting opportunities for the wider creative and media sector in Wales.
“The ageing infrastructure at Llandaff is clearly reaching the end of the road – and it is time to look to the future.
The Director of BBC Cymru Wales, Rhodri Talfan Davies, says: “This is excellent news and provides the opportunity to develop a new broadcast centre that can act as a real catalyst for the whole creative sector in Wales.
“We will now work with our property team and strategic partners to identify our preferred site and to prepare a detailed business plan that provides the best possible value-for-money for BBC Licence Fee payers.
“We are also continuing detailed discussions with S4C to see whether it is feasible to collaborate at the new centre, and we are grateful to the Welsh Government for their on-going support in this major strategic venture.
“The BBC’s experience in Salford clearly shows that we can play a leading role in helping to develop the wider creative economy. The new centre in northern England has brought together broadcasters, universities and other digital production companies. It’s an exciting environment that encourages collaboration – and it’s a model we are keen to realise here in Wales.”
The BBC has been looking at its detailed property requirements in Cardiff since an initial feasibility study was approved in November 2011.
Posted on Thursday, August 1st, 2013 at 4:38 pm by RadioToday UK