Green light given to BBC Belfast HQ redevelopment

The BBC has been given the green light for the redevelopment and refurbishment of its Broadcasting House in Belfast.Submitted to Belfast City Council, the plans involve the extension to the rear of Broadcasting House, which is located on Ormeau Avenue, to include informal meeting spaces, new reception area, office space and new access onto Linenhall Street, as well as internal reconfiguration and refurbishment of the studio block and office block. Additionally, a new plaza is proposed fronting onto Linenhall Street, which will incorporate public realm and lighting and stage facilities, along with a new energy centre and service yard. The application site extends to an area of approximately 1.1 acres and and comprises the grade B1 listed headquarters, along with its 1984 studio block extension which fronts Linenhall Street West. The site is located within the Commercial District Character Area and within the Linen Conservation Area.BBC Northern Ireland currently operates from three main locations. The organisation has said that this presents environmental, logistical and cost challenges, with Broadcasting House becoming increasingly expensive to maintain.