BBC's Legendary Maida Vale Studios Are Closing After 84 Years

The BBC's world-famous Maida Vale studios are closing.

The British broadcasters are planning on shutting the studios after an incredible 84 years hosting some of the biggest and best names in the world. Their music base will now be moving east to Stratford.

“I understand how much our musical heritage at Maida Vale means to us, to artists and to audiences,” BBC director general, Tony Hall, says. “We haven’t taken this decision lightly. But we’re determined to ensure that live music remains at the heart of the BBC and moving to this new development gives us the opportunity to do just that.”

The studios – unfortunately containing asbestos, meaning the cost of refurbishment has increased – have hosted some iconic events and sessions over the years, from Radio 1 Rocks to sets from the likes of Metallica, Nirvana, Bring Me The Horizon and everything in between.

It has been reported that the BBC are hoping to relocate "most of Maida Vale's functions to a new complex in the Stratford Waterfront development in the Olympic Park by 2023".

James Purnell, the BBC’s director of radio and education, says of the new location: “This proposed new building will act as a magnet for music development in east London and will allow us to share our music facilities and expertise with local, diverse communities as well as being a much better place for our brilliant music staff to work from.”

Sad news. BRB while we reminisce over some of these amazing sets all day…

Metallica Maida Vale photo: Mark Allan/BBC