BBC New Broadcasting House: Public access permanently restricted

The BBC’s application argued two reception areas, the Radio Theatre and the Media Cafe, should remain permanently closed to members of the public who had not received security checks upon entering the building, at Portland Place in central London.

Access to the public had already been restricted since 2017 as a consequence of terrorist activity, according to the application, which also mentioned Covid as a factor.

Lesley Smith, the BBC’s in-house counsel, said: “We do try to be as open and as accessible as possible but there is also a responsibility to safeguard the continuity and availability of the services and the safety of staff and others.”

She added the BBC believed its request was “proportionate to the increased threats, and we’d be failing in our wider duties if we did not make the application”.

The corporation added it remained committed to allowing public access to New Broadcasting House and pointed out it allowed schools, family members of BBC staff, community groups and audience members to visit.