Location: Buckinghamshire
Area: 310sqm
Project year: 2014
Contractor: EG Silverthorn
British Forces Broadcasting Services currently broadcasts to 23 countries and to some extremely remote destinations. The television service broadcasts UK television to over 15 24-hour channels and to 17 countries, across 15 time zones and even includes a service to HM ships.
As part of a major refurbishment programme between SSVC (Services Sound and Vision Corporation) and the MOD, the project included an extensive technical upgrade to broadcast hardware, power distribution, data connectivity and play out systems, and an update to the BFBS broadcast studio facilities including the refurbishment of 3 radio studios, 3 production booths, a talk studio and a television studio with green screen.
The studios have to remain flexible, operating 24/7 and delivering optimum performances from a host of different users, whilst being future proofed to guarantee longevity.
One of the biggest challenges to SSVC, being a charity, was to contain costs in a professional world and have enough resources to fulfil the project. Eddie Veale says “I am proud of what we achieved and BFBS is very pleased with the results.”
“Everyone is pleased with the final result. The refurbishment has given presenters a better working environment and a commonality with the studios they work from around the glove. We are particularly delighted to continue a long association with Veale Associates. The company’s flexibility in accommodating our requirements and changing timelines has been very much appreciated.”
John Sullivan, Head of Projects and Infrastructure, SSVC