Once a regular and recognisable sight on the small screen, the famous Television Centre is undergoing a major transformation, turning the former home of the BBC into an ambitious project encompassing 950 new homes and a plethora of restaurants, entertainment and green spaces.
Due to complete later this year, the most recent addition to the scheme is a second outpost of the popular Chelsea dining destination Bluebird Cafe, with the new larger premises promising a cafe, bar, deli and outdoor terrace. It will sit alongside a number of other restaurants set to open within the building, joined by a four-screen cinema for residents and a new Soho House site, which will comprise a 47-bedroom hotel, rooftop pool and private members' club.
Once lovingly referred to as 'the concrete doughnut' by the late Sir Terry Wogan, in the last decade the White City landmark has gained Grade II-listed status for many of its architectural elements – a showcase for mid-century design – which hold a special place in the nation's hearts. Among its most distinctive features is the circular courtyard, the Helios, where a statue of the Greek god stands. This outdoor space will be open to the public for the first time, while the apartments that overlook the space are set to become some of the most sought-after in west London.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The broadcasting organisation's legacy will also be retained – and paid tribute to – in various ways. BBC Worldwide has already returned its headquarters to the location, while three of the centre's main television studios, which have hosted countless hits such as Strictly Come Dancing and Top of the Pops, are set to reopen in 2017, ensuring it's not the last we'll see of the centre on our screens.
-
4 often overlooked home maintenance tasks that could cost you laterThe Explainer A little upkeep now can save you money down the road
-
What are the pros and cons of a Roth conversion for retirement?Pros and Cons By converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, retirees can skip paying taxes on their withdrawals
-
4 easy tips to avoid bank feesThe Explainer A few dollars here and there might seem insignificant, but it all adds up
-
Turner: The Secret Sketchbooks – a fascinating portrait of the great painterThe Week Recommends BBC2 documentary examines the rarely seen sketchbooks of the enigmatic artist
-
Dianarama examines the ‘extraordinary scale’ of Martin Bashir’s liesThe Week Recommends Andy Webb’s book is packed with ‘astonishing’ allegations surrounding Princess Diana’s 1995 Panorama interview
-
Eurovision faces its Waterloo over Israel boycottsTalking Point Five major broadcasters have threatened to pull out of next year’s contest over Israel’s participation
-
Unforgivable: harrowing drama about abuse and rehabilitationThe Week Recommends 'Catastrophic impact' of abuse is explored in 'thought-provoking' series
-
How to go on your own Race Across the WorldThe Week Recommends The BBC hit show is inspiring fans to choose low-budget adventures
-
The top period dramas to stream nowThe Week Recommends Heaving bosoms and billowing shirts are standard fare in these historical TV classics
-
David Attenborough at 99: a 'radical' voice for climate actionIn The Spotlight In his new film 'Ocean', TV's best-known naturalist delivers his strongest message yet
-
Stephen Graham's best TV and film rolesThe Week Recommends From Line of Duty to Adolescence, these are the prolific actor's must-watch projects
