News on 14 December 2000
BBC Birmingham is moving to state-of-the-art building The
Mailbox, where 600 staff will occupy 9,290 sq m (100,000 sq ft). It is
to be the new HQ for BBC English Region.
Andy Griffee, controller English Regions and head of Centre for BBC Birmingham,
said: “Moving to The Mailbox will be funded from the BBC’s existing
property budget. We’ve costed in great detail the options of refurbishing
and staying at Pebble Mill or moving to The Mailbox. Over a 25 year timeframe,
it makes sound business sense to relocate, and moving means we’ll
be ‘on the high street’, welcoming and accessible to licence
fee payers.”
Ranjit Sondhi, the Governor of the BBC with special responsibility for
the English Regions, added: “Birmingham is a vibrant, multi-cultural
city, enjoying a great period of renaissance. I am delighted that the
BBC will in the future be playing an even more central role in its life.”
This move is the latest of a number of property announcements to be made
by the BBC this year. The company said it is part of BBC’s new approach
to its buildings across the UK which is to ensure more money for programme-making
by creating contemporary, open, flexible and cost efficient working environments
which stimulate and attract talent, and which are more welcoming to visitors.
