FROM shipyards to digital broadcasting, the future shape of the former docks at Govan was confirmed yesterday when Glasgow city council gave the go-ahead for BBC Scotland to build its new headquarters at Pacific Quay on the Clyde.
The transformation will see 1,200 staff shipped from their cramped home at Queen Margaret Drive to the state of the art premises in summer 2007.
The corporation has welcomed the decision but remains coy about the cost of the project, with talks w
ith financiers said to be at a "commercially sensitive" stage.
The funding package is expected to be finalised early next month. However, some estimates have put the striking glass and steel structure at £127 million.
A spokeswoman for the corporation said the new premises reinforced the BBC’s commitment to Scotland, improving community links and delivering on its public service remit in the digital age - and at a time when the BBC’s charter is up for renewal. "We’re delighted by the decision and we’re continuing with our plans. This is an important step in creating an exciting future for BBC Scotland," she said.
The public will be central to the design and form of the building. The corporation hopes to offer tours of the premises, allowing an up-close view of how programmes are made.
Schools and community arts groups will also be invited to help with the finishing flourishes of the design.
The corporation has appointed the celebrated Glasgow artist Richard Wright to "challenge and complement the design" of the building.
Charles Gordon, the council leader, said: "This is a prestige development by a prestige organisation and will, I’m sure, create a marvellous hub for Scotland’s film, television and radio community.
"The decision today will be a further boost to the ongoing regeneration and redevelopment of the River Clyde."
The move to Pacific Quay, as part of the wider multi-billion- pound regeneration of the Clyde, has signalled the start of a rush to create a media village on the river.
Scottish Television and its parent company, SMG, recently announced that it would join BBC Scotland on the site.
SMG will lease a 60,000 sq ft studio complex on a 20-year deal at a cost of £20 million, severing a 50-year link with its Cowcaddens base.
Independent producers are already moving close to the site, securing offices in the former Govan Town Hall.
The BBC said that the migration from the West End may be a wrench. The BBC has been there since the late 1930s.
Alan Somerville, of Pacific Quay Developments, welcomed the decision, saying: "This is a milestone in the continued regeneration of Pacific Quay and ensures that the BBC remains in the heart of Glasgow.
"The move will have enormous benefits for the local Govan community and Glasgow as a whole, with job creation and inward investment from other major companies locating to the Clyde waterfront."
The planning application was granted subject to improvements on the proposed landscaping and lighting.
The council also insisted that a shuttle bus be laid on by the developers to ferry staff and visitors from Cessnock subway station until a new footpath is built.
