At 6am on the 7th September 1992 Classic FM went on air for the first time to 80% of the UK from their new Camden premises. Veale Associates designed and managed the project, ensuring they could begin broadcasting within nine months of being awarded the license. A main BR railway line ran 80 yards away from the building located next to the canal, creating problem vibrations through the 1930’s mass concrete, and the canal water level was 5 feet higher than the studio floor.
In 2005 Classic FM’s owners GWR merged with Capital Radio forming GCap Media, this amalgamation brought with it the relocation of the Classic FM studios to GCap’s high profile Leicester Square premises. Once again VA designed and delivered Classic FM’s new facilities.
Studio tours are a feature of the flagship premise, as part of the Classic FM relocation a new waiting area, entrance and office space had to be created, and a new glazed lobby was created to provide a direct view into the studios. The Classic FM brand and style had to be prevalent throughout reflecting and illustrating their diversity whilst retaining their sophisticated, clean and tranquil appearance.
“Having created Classic FM’s first broadcast facility in 1992 it was a pleasure to be asked to deliver their new studios together with a high impact entrance, waiting area and studio corridor. The flagship Leicester Square building accommodates a range of stations with diverse styles and identities throughout, and VA has been responsible for designing many of these stations’ studios including Capital Radio, XFM and Capital Gold. This gave us a good fundamental knowledge of the building making it possible to deliver the project within a very short 3 month timeframe.”
Eloise Veale, Creative Director, Veale Associates