The BBC Selling Lease on Iconic MediaCity Building to Reduce Office Space

In a bid to streamline operations and reduce office space, the BBC has announced the sale of the lease on Bridge House, one of its main buildings in MediaCity. Currently housing CBBC and CBeebies, as well as some BBC sports and operations staff, the waterfront property offers approximately 105,000 square feet of office space across seven floors.

Making Way for a Smaller Property Portfolio

The decision to sell Bridge House comes as part of the BBC’s ongoing reforms to create a simpler, leaner, and more efficient organization. The media giant has appointed Lambert Smith Hampton to manage the divestment of its leasehold interest in the building, which is available as a whole or on a floor-by-floor basis.

By reducing its property portfolio, the BBC aims to meet its net zero commitments and decrease overall greenhouse gas emissions. The move also aligns with the organization’s adoption of hybrid working, reflecting changes in the way they utilize their buildings. However, the BBC assures the public that these changes will not impact programs and services.

Embracing Digital and Media Hub Potential

Adam Robson, director of transactional services at Lambert Smith Hampton, highlights the remarkable opportunity Bridge House presents for a new occupier in MediaCity, the UK’s leading digital and media hub. With its iconic waterfront location, spacious platforms, high specifications, and plug and play capabilities, the property is expected to generate significant demand.

The sale of Bridge House marks a milestone in the BBC’s journey towards a simpler and more efficient future. The move to alternative MediaCity sites, Quay House and Dock House, is set to be completed by spring 2024.

Expanding Horizons at MediaCity

In November 2022, the BBC initially announced its plans to vacate Bridge House and consolidate its operations in nearby MediaCity locations. Quay House and Dock House will become the new homes for staff currently based at Bridge House, allowing for a more cohesive and collaborative work environment.

With its strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities, MediaCity continues to attract businesses looking to thrive in the digital and media industry. The sale of Bridge House signifies the dynamic nature of the industry and the BBC’s proactive approach to adapt and optimize its operations.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for MediaCity

As MediaCity evolves and expands, it remains a hotbed of innovation and opportunity for both established players and rising stars in the media landscape. The growing demand for digital content and services makes MediaCity an attractive destination for businesses keen to tap into the vibrant ecosystem.

By creating more streamlined and efficient office spaces, the BBC sets an example for other organizations seeking to adapt to the changing work landscape. The sale of Bridge House not only optimizes the BBC’s operations but also opens up avenues for new entrants and further growth within MediaCity.

In Conclusion

The BBC’s decision to sell the lease on Bridge House in MediaCity marks a significant move in its ongoing reform efforts. By reducing its property portfolio and embracing a leaner organizational structure, the BBC aims to deliver greater efficiency and meet its net zero commitments. The sale presents an exciting opportunity for a new occupier to establish a presence in MediaCity’s thriving digital and media hub.

As MediaCity continues to evolve and attract businesses, the future looks bright for this dynamic and innovative location. With its strategic waterfront position and modern facilities, it promises to be a key driver of growth in the digital and media industry.

The BBC is selling the lease on one of its main buildings in MediaCity as it seeks to reduce its office space. Bridge House is currently the home of CBBC and CBeebies, while some BBC sports and operations staff are also based there.

The media giant has hired Lambert Smith Hampton to divest its leasehold interest in Bridge House. The iconic waterfront property offers approximately 105,000 square feet of office space across seven floors, with the building available as a whole or on a floor-by-floor basis.

The BBC announced in November 2022 that it would be moved out of the building and that staff would move to alternative nearby MediaCity sites: Quay House and Dock House.

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At the time, the BBC said its plans would reduce the size of its property portfolio as part of ongoing reforms to “deliver a simpler, leaner and more efficient organisation”. Moves are expected to be completed in spring 2024.

Adam Robson, director of transactional services at Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “As one of MediaCity’s most prominent buildings, Bridge House offers an excellent opportunity for a new occupier to take its place in the UK’s leading digital and media hub. .