Pebble Mill Studios - The End and Closure

The End and Closure

Problems with the lease and changes in the way television is produced, in addition to increasing repair costs due mainly to the building suffering concrete cancer led the BBC to vacate the premises and move to new studios at The Mailbox, completing the transfer on 22 October 2004 after 33 years at Pebble Mill. Remaining fixtures, furniture and technical equipment were auctioned at Pebble Mill a few weeks later. The studios were demolished the following summer, with developers planning to develop a technology and science park on the site. However, as of 2012 development has yet to begin.

The decision to relocate was controversial. Indeed, not long after the decision was made to move to The Mailbox, it was discovered that there was not sufficient strength in the foundations to construct the area of mezzanine floor as originally planned. Some departments had to be relocated to a second site (notably the drama department) which became known as the 'Drama Village'.