BBC to leave Bridge House in MediaCity

Citing the rise of hybrid working and net zero commitments, the media broadcaster said it would leave the 100,000 sq ft Salford building by spring 2024.

While announcing the departure from MediaCity’s Bridge House, the BBC also said it would vacate Wogan House in London.

Bridge House was the base for BBC Children’s and Education, as well as parts of BBC Sport and the company’s operations team.

Staff at Bridge House will relocate to one of the other BBC buildings at MediaCity: Quay House or Dock House.

A press release concerning the decision stated: “A reduction in the size of the estate will help deliver the BBC’s net zero commitments as a smaller property footprint will lead to a reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions.

“It also complements the adoption of hybrid working which has resulted in changes to how we use our buildings,” the press release continued.

Reducing its estate is not new for BBC, which left the Broadcast Centre in London’s White City complex last year.

Reacting to the news, MediaCity managing director Stephen Wild said: “Over the years the BBC has grown its commitment to MediaCity and is continuing to do so, however, we recognise that our occupiers are adapting their ways of working and, as such, we have responded with the expansion of our flexible workspace Arrive.

“Likewise, we’ll work with our partners at the BBC in streamlining their floor space at MediaCity,” Wild continued. “Working and operating from a sustainable environment is a priority and our occupiers benefit from MediaCity being one of the most highly sustainable destinations in the UK.”

MediaCity is owned by Landsec and Peel L&P, the former of which has a 75% stake in the 37-acre property that it acquired last year.

Earlier this year, Peel L&P and Landsec secured planning permission for a 312,000 sq ft office at MediaCity.