Demolition begins on former ITV South Bank HQ

Demolition contractor McGee has commenced preliminary work on the £500 million redevelopment of the former ITV studios on London’s renowned South Bank…

The centre built in the 1970s by ITV company London Weekend Television will make way for a 2.5-acre site of ‘commercially led’ mixed-use development. Designed by Make Architects, the landmark project will include a 25-storey office tower linked to two buildings of 14 and 6 storeys.

The development features external terraces and balconies with views of the Thames, along with a new public rooftop restaurant and terrace. Additionally, 40% of the site will be transformed into public space. Known as 72 Upper Ground, the scheme will be fully electric and fossil fuel-free, aiming for net zero operational carbon and targeting a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating. The project is due to complete in 2029.

Callum Tuckett, UK Managing Director at Multiplex:

“We are very proud to be involved with such an exciting mixed-use development, which will transform this part of the South Bank. We have a highly experienced and talented project team on site and are looking forward to delivering a high-quality scheme that matches the ambitions of all project partners and stakeholders.”

Plans for the land had originally seen the demolition of the 24-story Kent House tower, which ITV used as its HQ, and adjoining London Studios to be replaced with a mix-use site which included flats, commercial units and a smaller TV Studio base, including an area for ITV Daytime. The revised development has ditched the studio space. The demolition delays have come from a number of objections to the new project; however none were upheld, and the scheme has been given the green light.

“Since the original decision to redevelop the South Bank site ITV has launched its new strategy and has successfully moved to new office space in Holborn and studios in W12. These provide excellent modern, functional and flexible working environments. TV needs to ensure that its property portfolio in London supports the new strategy by giving flexibility to continue to grow, while supporting our ambition to be an agile and increasingly digital organisation. By remaining in our current London office and studio spaces we can focus more time and resource on the areas of the business which will deliver greatest value.” – ITV Statement issued in 2018

Kent House was built in the days of regional ITV when each major part of the UK had its own service. London was served by two contractors: Thames Television for weekdays, and LWT for weekends. Both creating their own studio spaces in the capital when they were awarded their licences in 1968. London Weekend Television built the London Studios on the south bank, with the complex opening in 1972. ITV vacated the site in summer 2017. Over its 45 years in operation the studios were home to some of ITV’s best known shows and performers including series such as Upstairs Downstairs, On The Buses, Aspel and Co, Blind Date, Saturday Night Takeaway and Game for a Laugh to name only a few.

Shinichi Kagitomi, chief executive of developer Mitsubishi Estate London:

“Starting on site marks a major milestone for this landmark development, which will make a significant positive contribution to the South Bank.”

The studios, since the 2000s, had also become home to most of the ITV Daytime output with Good Morning Britain, Loose Women, Lorraine and This Morning all produced at the complex.

All four shows moved over to Television Centre, operated by BBC StudioWorks, initially for a five year stop-gap until the London Studios reopened, this has now become a permanent arrangement. Since the demise of the former LWT building ITV has made more use of their ITN office space and facilities on Grays Inn Road, while additional office space has been obtained at Chancery Lane.