Welcoming completion of construction work, yesterday afternoon (2 August 2006) Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scotland Controller Ken MacQuarrie said:
"Our vision for a world class headquarters connecting all of our Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ centres across Scotland and enhancing our visibility to our audiences is nearing reality.
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"This magnificent building offers us a unique opportunity to create a working environment which will shape the future of broadcasting, inspire our staff and welcome our audiences to come in and see their Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ."
Situated on the banks of the River Clyde and next to Glasgow's Science Centre, the
34,000 square metre building, designed by leading international architect David Chipperfield, incorporates three key elements: digital facilities, flexible offices/creative spaces and substantial public areas.
To provide an inviting environment for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ visitors and staff, the 543 square metre public reception area will feature leading edge interactive displays and a cafe.
The arresting building is clad predominantly with a triple-glazed system which provides a natural air-conditioning system.
A defining feature is an internal, stepped 'street' that rises throughout the entire length of the design, housing acoustically sensitive studios underneath and providing break-out spaces and informal meeting areas on top.
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scotland's new broadcast centre will be the world's first fully digital operation with high definition capabilities.
Designed and built by contractor Bovis Lend Lease, the new development will replace the current headquarters building at Queen Margaret Drive, Glasgow.
As the prime systems integrator, Siemens Business Services will be responsible for delivery of the complete technology solution. They will begin the fit-out immediately.
New technology to be implemented includes digital production and post-production (including graphics and dubbing), radio production and studios, TV studios, presentation and playout facilities, a digital library and rich media search infrastructure.
Iain Marley, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scotland Pacific Quay Project Director, believes that the building design and new technologies combine to provide significant business benefits:
"The design quality is stunning but what's even more important is that it has been crafted to meet our specific business requirements.
"State of the art technology - which will be rolled out to all of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scotland's regional centres - will allow us to revolutionise our business processes. The result will create a blueprint for the wider Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and the industry as a whole."
Geoff Taylor, Head of Project Management, Land Securities, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scotland's Property Developer, is delighted with the result:
"The completion of Pacific Quay to schedule and budget is a major achievement, which is testament to the teamwork and energy of everyone involved.
"This development is another example of the successful partnership between Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ, Land Securities and Bovis Lend Lease, demonstrating how this collaboration is delivering modern facilities to meet the Corporation's long term objectives."
Design and build contractor Bovis Lend Lease employed up to 680 people at a peak on the project, many of them working for local contractors.
Gordon Anderson, Bovis Lend Lease's Operations Director for Scotland, said:
"This building is a striking new contribution to Glasgow's architectural heritage and we are proud to have built it.
"The work involved many traditional construction skills combined with sophisticated technical installations in readiness for the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's fit-out programme.
"It's our third major project for the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and it ran very successfully from the outset with true co-operation from everyone concerned and a real will to make this a winner."
In line with its strategy to direct more money into programme making, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scotland has raised the Β£129.25m finance for the new building through a Bond Issue.
The complex will place Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scotland at the heart of unique urban media community of broadcasting and digital media production companies.
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scotland will also continue to work in partnership with Glasgow City Council; Scottish Enterprise; Glasgow Science Centre; Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre; Pacific Quay Developments and other key stakeholders, to progress the implementation of a new masterplan for the whole of Pacific Quay.
Notes to Editors
1. Some building facts
- Building work from July 2004 to August 2006
- Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Staff move from Queen Margaret Drive: April 2007 onwards
- Building operational: Summer 2007
- Size of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ site: 28,000 square metres
- Size of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scotland new HQ building: 34,000 square metres (gross floor area)
- Number of workers on site at peak of construction: 680
- Amount of earth excavated: 20,000 cubic metres
- Number of piled foundations: 144
- Amount of electrical cable: 150 miles
- Number of light fittings: 3,000
- Amount of data cable: 525 miles
- Amount of pipe work: 30 miles
- Amount of concrete used: 16,500 cubic metres
2. Profile of David Chipperfield Architects - The Practice
Founded in 1984, David Chipperfield Architects (DCA) is an internationally renowned practice with offices in London and Berlin. The business has extensive architectural experience across a widely varied portfolio from museums, galleries, private houses to retail spaces and offices.
It has particular expertise in commercial and retail development and in the Private Finance Initiative market.
Bovis Lend Lease (Scotland) Ltd has managed the construction of many of the nation's landmark buildings, including the Museum of Scotland, Buchanan Galleries, Clyde Auditorium, Ocean Terminal and, of course, the Scottish Parliament.
For more information visit .
5. Siemens Business Services
Siemens Business Services, the transformation partner to the media and entertainment industry, earlier this year announced they will design, build and implement the broadcast technology and infrastructure as part of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Scotland's move to a new headquarters building in 2007.
The deal is an addition to Siemens existing 10-year Technology Framework Contract with the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ.
6. Background on Bond Issue
The funding deal for Pacific Quay is an example of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ managing public assets in a modern, efficient and effective way in the public interest.
This way of financing Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ property development continues the push to put more money in to programmes, as the funding deal provides the capital for the development phase but only a rental value is charged against Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ accounts.
Developing the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's property portfolio right across the UK is critical to allow the corporation to provide spaces for staff to innovate, produce, manage and broadcast great programmes.
It is also a key part of the strategy to make Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ buildings more open, accessible and relevant to local communities.
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