BBC Wales named Best Fit Out of a Workplace at BCO Awards
BBC Wales Central Square has been recognised as one of the best workplaces in the South of England and South Wales at the annual British Council for Offices’ (BCO) regional awards. This year, the prestigious event was held virtually as part of the BCO’s Festival Awards Week, which recognises the highest quality developments in the UK and sets the standard for excellence in the regional and national office sector.
BBC Wales Central Square, the new broadcast in Cardiff, has been awarded the Best Fit Out of Workplace in the South West. The design, which explicitly set out to raise standards on wellness and inclusivity, incorporated neurodiversity in every decision — including lighting, colour, patterns, and routes through the building. The BCO judges noted that the fit out successfully achieved BBC Wales’ ambition of “bringing the city inside”, by revealing the magic of the content creation that happens on screen, to the public. The open approach to design further came to life in the way the building created opportunities for the local community, with local suppliers and craftspeople being involved throughout.
Alistair Allison, Partner at TFT Consultants and BCO South of England and South Wales Judging Chair, commented: “This project is one that truly lifted the spirits of the judges. Set in the heart of Cardiff, this BREEAM Outstanding building shows how a speculatively designed office building can be fitted out to accommodate the demanding technical and workplace requirements of a corporate occupier – an undeniably worthy winner.”
Andy Heath, Partner at Cushman & Wakefield and BCO South of England and South Wales Regional Committee Chair, added: “BBC Wales’ broadcast centre is an exemplary project which sets new standards for neurodiversity, workplace agility and efficiency in office fit out. The collaboration between the client and design team showed an ability to draw on lessons learned working together on other BBC fit out projects, which really impressed the judges.”
Today’s ceremony marked the 12th year of the BCO Regional Awards dedicated to the South of England and South Wales. Held online, the ceremony was a virtual first for the BCO, but still involved all the usual excitement that makes up the in-person ceremony. Guests were able to network, celebrate with friends and watch a live ceremony, presented by Welsh radio and television presenter, Jason Mohammad, to recreate the magic of the traditional awards ceremony.
South of England and South Wales winners will compete with those from other regions at the BCO Virtual National Awards on Tuesday 26 January 2021.
Other workplaces across the South West and Wales that received recognition include:
- Honeybourne Place, Jessop Avenue, Cheltenham – Commercial Workplace
- Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol – Refurbished/Recycled Workplace
- 12 Forbury Court, 12 Forbury Road, Reading – Projects up to 1,500m2
- UK Hydrographic Office Headquarters, Admiralty Way, Taunton – Corporate Workplace
The BCO Awards will continue next year in 2021, with entries opening on Wednesday 7 October and closing Friday 27 November 2020.
For more information on the awards and applications, visit the BCO website (www.bco.org.uk).