THE BBC is set to remain at its Aberdeen headquarters, site of the
Beechgrove Garden, which has already moved to pastures new.
The BBC has rejected the possibility of a new greenfield development
and will invite developers to tender with schemes for the Beechgrove
site, the corporation's Aberden headquarters for 57 years.
It seems unlikely the new studio will be contained in the original
building -- Beechgrove House, which is nearly 100 years old.
Although it is not a listed building, planning permission would be
required to demolish it.
Controller for BBC Scotland John McCormick said: ''For the past couple
of years, we have been looking at different options. We are planning for
the next 10 years and we are committed to maintaining a strong
television and radio presence here over the next 10 years.''
The new centre could be open by the end of 1997.
''Looking over the 10 years, we thought it was better to develop a new
centre which is purpose built which will be able to take advantage of
new technology and which is a bit more open and friendly as a
broadcasting centre,'' Mr McCormick said.
One of the options they considered, which was rejected as uneconomic a
year ago, was to share Grampian Television's Queen's Cross site.
The BBC then narrowed the choice down to redeveloping the Beechgrove
site or starting from scratch on a new greenfield site.
He added: ''Although we are all very attached to the present building,
the most important thing is to be able to keep broadcasting.''
The Beechgrove Garden has moved to a 2.5-acre garden at Brotherfield,
six miles west of Aberdeen, from where future series will be broadcast.
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