The big picture

Plans for English regions technical and property refurbishment have been discussed.

The plans were discussed at a meeting held on 21 March 2000 in London.

Peter Groome, Head of PSE, Broadcast had recognised some time ago that there was a need for technical and property refurbishment. A considered plan had been drawn up for the English regions.

Some properties, such as Radio Sheffield, were totally inefficient and inappropriate for the BBC's needs. Sites which had been prioritised - Sheffield, Leeds, Stoke, Leicester, Norwich, Plymouth - were beyond saving. In terms of technology, some buildings were operating with systems that were more than 15 years and were only kept going by the engineers. The groups which were set up identified the technology needed and could save money by bulk purchase. Radio stations were being designed to fit the product. In property terms, some TV sites were working in half the space of others.

Peter King, Technology Manager, PSE, said the BBC wished to refurbish all the sites over the next six years. It had devised standard specifications for accommodation (radio and TV), buildings and technology. Building sixes were approximately 5,500 square feet for radio and 16,500 for TV. Technical specifications included the number of studios and server-based equipment.

The six-year plan did not mean that some sites would have to wait for six years for new technology. Some would have to be introduced soon, for example, digital editing.

The 24 hour radio sites did not have digital editing and management wanted to roll it out over the next 12-18 months. ENPS would remain at the heart of TV. Studios will be digital wide screen with "appropriate" automation. Editing would be server-based and there would be fewer dedicated areas with desktop editing available at newsrooms desks.

The tendering process was under way and shortlists were being drawn up. The total cost for the English regions would be £100 of which about £60 millions would go to outside manufacturers.

Sandy Milne told the meeting he was representing the customer. He was ensuring that best practice was used and ensuring communication continued with local people involved. There was a local newsletter sent to HRLPs, change managers and local engineers. Management was setting up an intranet site for the refurbishment programme. Other groups were examining equipment which was the subject of the tendering process and they would make the final decision on what was chosen.

Mike Fieldsend, Acting Controller of Personnel, said jobs would evolve over a period as opportunities developed and people worked with different equipment. What was acceptable would depend on equipment, what skills were available and what stage of development staff had reached.

Regarding new buildings, Peter Groome said the 20-20 property vision group had decided that the BBC needed to be accessible to viewers and listeners. Some buildings such as Broadcasting House, were iconic but some were tucked away. The BBC wished the public to know where its front door was and for them to be able to walk into it. Local stations needed a high street location but not a "charity shop" presence. A lot would depend on how the Radio Lancashire open centre pilot fared.