BBC - various packages

The BBC Headquarters at White City saw Careys deliver multiple packages of works over two years. The initial phase of works entailed demolition and structural steel modification works, in addition to civil engineering and building works packages.

We were contracted to break out internal walls and floors to create an open plan environment and enable works on an extensive central opening to house the feature drum staircase. Phase two related to studios 1-3, and entailed internal demolition, soft stripping and asbestos removal.

Planned modification of the existing structure presented significant structural challenges and required additional support beams to be incorporated into the permanent works. These strengthened the slab to tie in with the new drum staircase structure. The team was also required to work around unmapped live services and asbestos contaminations, which required robust planning and effective risk management.

Careys completed a structural alterations package on behalf of Lendlease at the BBC Media Centre in White City. The works are part of an overall scheme to provide new welfare facilities and security for the BBC as well as increasing the floorspace of the upper levels and a complete refurbishment.

The works included new structures and floors with an element of soft strip. New blockwork and drainage within the basement were also included as a part of the scope. Two atriums were infilled at the lowest level with new steel installation and ribdeck which allowed for concrete infill works, enclosing the finished floor levels. As a part of these works our in-house design team were used to design a temporary works scheme.

Careys led Phase 1 of this project, which entailed demolition, structural steel, civil engineering and building works packages on ‘Stage 6’. The end goal of our works was to break out internal walls and floors to create an open plan layout to the building, in addition to a large central opening that would accommodate a feature drum staircase. Phase 2 entailed internal demolition and soft stripping by our team, in addition to asbestos removal.

Structural alterations and concrete breakout was undertaken on each floor to create the vertical profile to house the steel frame supporting the feature drum staircase. Our team also installed steel amphiteatre stairs, new emergency access stairs and a supporting steel frame leading from the second floor to the roof. Subsequently, we made modifications to strengthen the two lift shafts, including the installation of mini-piles, casting structural slabs and making alterations to the underground drainage on the lower floor level.

During Phase 2 works, our team undertook further demolition works, structural alterations and steelworks in addition to waterproofing works, re-screeding of each floor, the application of sealant paint, and the construction of plinths and blockwork. During these works, our team worked in close proximity to unmapped live services and pre-surveyed asbestos contaminations, which required careful planning and forethought to mitigate the potential health and safety risk to both our operatives and employees still working within the structure.