The BBC is selling off part of its historic studios site in Bristol following a move to a new city centre base. The broadcaster has appointed real estate firm Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) to market the “variety of buildings” on Whiteladies Road in Clifton.
The 3.2-acre area being sold includes listed and modern buildings, and a large car park to the rear. LSH said that subject to necessary planning permission it could be suited to a numerous alternative uses and represents a “prime opportunity” in Bristol.
The existing site has been in operation since 1934 and was the largest BBC Studios production base outside London. Previously home to the BBC’s Natural History Unit, the site was responsible for shows such as Blue Planet, Countryfile and Springwatch.
It is currently the base for BBC public service programmes including BBC Radio Bristol, Points West and a range of national radio output, including factual for BBC Radio 4.
Roxine Foster, director at LSH, said: “This is one of the largest opportunities to hit the market in Clifton for several years and is likely to attract widespread interest. We look forward to working alongside the BBC to identify a party with an aligned vision for the long-term potential for this historic site.”
According to LSH, a combination of advances in tech and changes in working practices have reduced the BBC’s need for such a large-sized campus. It said the Beeb, which has moved some staff to Bridgwater House in Redcliffe, “remains committed” to Clifton as a location.
“By reducing their occupation of the site and selling part, they will be able to use proceeds from the sale to upgrade and improve the space they do occupy to ensure that it meets the needs of the corporation for many more years to come,” LSH said.
The BBC added: “We are proud of the BBC’s long history in Bristol and plan to continue to broadcast from the Whiteladies Road site. The partial sale of the site is part of an ongoing review of the BBC’s property portfolio in order to provide the best value for licence fee payers.”