Ugli Plans at White City!

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Surplus BBC building to become creative campus

The BBC is working with developer TCN and agency JP Creative to build Ugli, a new creative and media campus on a surplus building in Wood Lane, opposite Television Centre.

The aim is to transform a "surplus unattractive building, currently owned by the broadcaster, into a thriving workspace for the creative industries offering affordable and flexible space to all tenant members".

The name "Ugli" is a deliberate reference to the visually challenged exterior, "reflecting the overriding philosophy that it is very much what's inside that counts; the vibrant working environment which will provide the most effective business collaboration". The project's website has the appropriate name Lovely Inside

The Media Trust charity is the first organisation to use the 60,000 sq ft building, basing 60 of its staff there.

The project is aiming to kick-start the re-development of the White City estate, which will, over time, bring a strong creative identity to the area.

Government Minister for the Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey MP says: "This project will be a fantastic boost to the creative industries in London. Despite tough economic times businesses are showing confidence by continuing to invest in the future of the creative sectors. What's so important about the development of this new creative cluster is the potential it provides for businesses to make new links with each other and take advantage of opportunities to collaborate."

February 7, 2011