BBC kicks off Bridge House MediaCity exit
The broadcaster has appointed Lambert Smith Hampton to find an occupier for the 105,000 sq ft MediaCity office building that the BBC will vacate next spring.
The BBC announced its intention to vacate Bridge House, a large chunk of its MediaCity estate, last year as part of a move towards hybrid working and a greener future.
At the time, a spokesperson said a reduction in the size of the estate “will help deliver the BBC’s net zero commitments” and “complements the adoption of hybrid working”.
LSH has now been selected to find an occupier to take over the BBC’s lease, which expires in March 2030 and has an option for an additional 10 years.
Adam Robson, director at LSH, said: “As one of the most prominent buildings at MediaCity, Bridge House offers an excellent opportunity for a new occupier to take its place in the UK’s leading digital and media hub.
“With a high-specification, large floorplates, plug and play capabilities, and a waterfront location, we are anticipating significant demand for the space.”
BBC’s seven floors within Bridge House were the base for BBC Children’s and Education, as well as parts of BBC Sport and the company’s operations team.
BBC staff within the building will relocate to one of the other buildings at MediaCity: Quay House or Dock House.
The BBC’s decision to downsize in Salford followed a dramatic rethink of its office requirements brought about, in part, by the pandemic.
Peel L&P, which owned 50% of MediaCity before selling half of its stake to Landsec two years ago, had been bracing for the BBC to add to its 330,000 sq ft footprint in 2021 after the broadcaster said it would be relocating more staff from the capital to the regions.
They are reducing the office spare requirements and it just so happens that this can be accommodated in two separate buildings rather than three at present. It’s practically what thousands of other companies are doing around the countries now that WFH is accepted.
By js1000
Also cost cutting requirements due to so many people now not needing or wanting a TV license. Lots of companies moving to to the Quays though, good alternative to the city centre, I don’t suppose it will stay unoccupied for long.
By Anonymous
Haven’t the Department for Levelling up just taken offices across the way at the Soapworks? Doesn’t look like they are working from home any time soon.
By Tom
I do wonder if this is just a smoke screen for the BBC to creep back to London since it’s to brass managed to NOT move to Salford nonmatter what the cost savings. Is this possibly the City councils much vaulted Media City idea beginning to turn into a white elephant?
By Anonymous
Anonymous 2.12. No. No it isn’t.
By Charles
Media City is a white elephant? Along with Salford Quays, It’s one of the most successful regeneration schemes in Europe. What planet are some of you on.
By Anonymous
They are referring to how quiet Salford Quays is, it’s not an extension of the city centre and not as vibrant as Didsbury, Altrincham or the Trafford Centre.
By Gilly
The Lowry shopping centre is not Salford Quays Gilly or Media city. You seem to be confused.
By Anonymous
Not confused at all, you are confused
By Gilly
It might not be as vibrant as some of the most successful areas of the entire city region but to suggest that Media City and the surroundings are dead/failure are ridiculous. It was literally wasteland 20+ years ago. I’ve lived here for years and love it. Loads of new bars/restaurants etc. opening up and long may it continue.
By Anonymous
Hopefully this is not the end of BBC vacations, they are not welcome in our city.
By Gilly
So much for moving production pit of London to Salford. Theyve actually moved production out of Salford to Glasgow. We’ve all been conned.
By Anonymous
Sorry anonymous 5.46 absolute nonsense as well you know, or if you don’t try visiting. But please , more reading less writing, don’t just write whatever comes into your head.
By Anonymous