BBC confirms sale of Maida Vale Studios

The BBC has confirmed the sale of its Maida Vale recording studios.

The studios have been sold to a partnership between Tim Bevan & Eric Fellner and Hans Zimmer & Steven Kofsky.

According to a statement released by the broadcaster, the purchasers have agreed “Maida Vale’s legacy as a centre for pioneering music-making will continue, with plans to keep the original façade of the building and to preserve the ethos of Maida Vale”.

Initial plans state the building will remain as a studio space, with a multi-million pound refurbishment plan for its existing studios. 

There will also be the creation of a not-for-profit educational facility, and a long-term commitment to providing local jobs, innovation and investment.

The sale of the studios, which have been owned by the BBC since 1933, has been on the cards since 2018 when the BBC announced intention to move its music studios and performing groups to a purpose-built recording and studio space within the East Bank cultural quarter in Stratford that is scheduled to open in 2025.

“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,” said Lorna Clarke, Director of Music at the BBC.

Commenting on the Maida Vale sale, Clarke added: “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.”