BBC TECHNOLOGY PLAY VITAL ROLE IN BBC PROJECTS

THE Consulting & Projects (C & P) division of BBC Technology have played a vital role in managing the relocation of Radio Kent, as well as establishing a television and online facility in Tunbridge Wells.
They have also project managed the complete refit and refurbishment of the BBC's Marylebone High street premises in London to house the BBC's new tri-media operation for London, BBC London.
One of the key aims of BBC South East is to provide its own local service for the South East, independent from London. A key part of delivering this has been BBC Technology's work converting the Great Hall in Tunbridge Wells to a fully equipped multi-media news centre and relocating the majority of the radio team from their original base in Chatham.
The new site is home to both the South East Regional news programme, ‘BBC South East Today’ which began broadcasting on September 3 and BBC Radio Kent, which has been broadcasting from the new site since February. C & P have project managed the provision of a combined shop reception, two self op radio studios, a news booth and network radio studio, open plan TV studio, two edit suites, a gallery and a central transmission area to service all these functions.
BBC Technology have also project managed a major building and technical refit of the BBC's Marylebone High Street premises in London. It now houses BBC London, comprising radio, television and online facilities. These include a TV gallery with the studio open to the Newsroom, two self op radio studios, a talks studio, news booth, 3 edit suites and preparation areas. This site will soon broadcast a new BBC London news programme from the heart of the capital.
C & P have project managed the provision of digital server based technology for both sites, including a digital video server based system which is still being developed. The intended key benefit of which is that it will give staff completely new, flexible and integrated working methods across the disciplines.
The Tunbridge Wells and London projects are the latest stage in a roll out plan across the BBC English Regions to provide production staff with the latest technology and equipment enabling more flexible working practices. (CD)