MODERN RADIO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23123, 23 August 1938, Page 6

MODERN RADIO

BRITISH HEADQUARTEBS BROADCASTING HOUSE BIG EXTENSION SCHEME ' * [from our own correspondent] ' LONDONf 2 Angnst 6 ' Broadcasting House, London, headquarters of the British Broadcasting Corporation, is to be more than doubled in size by the addition to the existing building of an extension that as planned, will add several new studio* to the 23 already in use. To make room for the extension work will be begun shortly on the del molition of seven - 18th century houses in Portland Place, adjoining the western facade of Broadcasting House and recently occupied by the Corporation as offices. Several months will be occupied in preparing the site, but the extension —which will be slightly larger than the present building—will be ready for occupation, it is hoped toward the end of 1940. The architectural treatment of the elevations of the new building has been approved by the Royal Fine Art Com. mission—a body officially empowered to advise public or quasi-public organisations on questions of public amenity or artistic importance—and will continue and amplify that of the existing Portland Place facade, the two portions of the building forming an architectural whole. A number of new studios will be provided below ground level in the extension, including a general-purposes studio which will share with the concert hall the distinction of being- the largest studio at the headquarters. An effects studio, three dramatic studios and a number of rehearsal rooms will be other features of the new buiiding. Above ground-floor level, the extension, which will have a light court in its centre, is designed as office accommodation, with a control suite on the seventh floor and a restaurant on the eighth—and top—floor.