BBC sells Maida Vale Studios

The BBC has today announced that it has sold its Maida Vale recording studios to a partnership between film producers Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Steven Kofsky and film composer Hans Zimmer. The partnership has promised to ‘preserve the ethos of Maida Vale’, while the BBC will move its music production to its new, purpose-built space in Stratford’s East Bank.

The sale follows the announcement in 2018 that the BBC would be leaving the studios. The building will retain the original façade and will continue to be used as a studio space. Following the purchase, the studios will undergo a multi-million-pound refurbishment and a ‘not-for-profit education facility’ will be added to the building.

Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, co-chairmen of British film production company Working Title, said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with our old friends Hans Zimmer and Steve Kofsky on this once in a lifetime project and collectively we are determined to continue the BBC’s legacy at Maida Vale by attracting global talent to the UK. Through our redevelopment plans we will future proof the historic site, continuing its presence in the local community with a new education facility, whilst creating a world class studio space for the next generation of composers, producers, editors and engineers.’

Since its purchase by the BBC in 1933, Maida Vale Studios has been a home for the BBC Performing Groups as well as hosting famous artists including David Bowie, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Dusty Springfield. The broadcaster is expected to open its new music studios in late 2025, with the new building designed to accommodate all the BBC performing groups as well as the largest sheet music collection in the world.

The BBC’s director of music Lorna Clarke said: ‘We are so pleased to secure a sale which looks to continue the bright, vibrant future of music making in this iconic building – not only providing new studio spaces but jobs and an education facility. We look forward to being able to continue to deliver world-class music to BBC audiences with our new tailor-made BBC Music Studios in the wonderfully rich cultural district of London’s East Bank.’