The BBC is looking for a commercial partner to take responsibility for the 'ownership, development, management and operation' of its White City complex. The Corporation anticipates that any partner would need to invest more than £200m in acquiring, developing and upgrading both new and existing properties.

The 40,000 sq m of space at the White City complex is the initial focus of a programme which will extend to the entire 300,000 sq m London estate and eventually to the remaining 450,000 sq m in the UK. The BBC envisages a PPP-type deal of between 20 and 30 years.

Details of the proposed outsourcing come in the official OJEC notice issued last Friday (21/04/2000). The BBC says it has developed a property strategy, The 2020 Vision, "to meet its rapidly evolving needs, enabling the corporation to remain at the forefront of broadcasting as it moves into the 21st century. It is the BBC's aim to develop large parts of its estate without increasing its costs of occupation."

The London estate comprises offices, newsrooms, technical areas, studios, storage space and workshops. The BBC's strategy involves an 'integrated, whole-life approach' to redeveloping, refurbishing and operating the estate.

Ideally the Corporation is looking for a single provider but says it will enter into more than one agreement. The commercial partner, which may be a consortium, will be responsible for:

• providing property development, management and operating services for the BBC's accommodation
• assisting the BBC in implementing improvements to its accommodation to meet future operating needs
• designing, achieving planning consent for, developing, equipping and servicing new accommodation
• managing the relocation of BBC's employees
• procuring finance for the development programme

The commercial partner will also be required to deliver services ranging from ongoing churn management to substantial strategic developments. The OJEC notice states that the Acquired Rights Directive may apply.

Just six providers will be invited to tender. Potential partners must complete a questionnaire by 25 May. This is available, along with more detailed information on the BBC's requirements, from Stephen Dingle at N.M. Rothschild. Tel: 020 7280 5000 Fax: 020 7280 5504.

Richard Byatt