BBC leaves Pebble Mill for the Mailbox

BBC Birmingham has completed its move from Pebble Mill to new studios at the Mailbox in the city centre, ending 33 years at the famous site in Edgbaston.

The move was completed on 22 October, after staff and programmes were transferred in stages over the summer and autumn. The Archers, Radio 4's long-running rural drama, moved into its new studio at the Mailbox at the start of the month.

A famous name

Pebble Mill was opened by Princess Anne in 1971, bringing BBC television and radio in the region together on one site on the Pershore Road. For more than three decades, it was one of the busiest broadcasting centres outside London.

The studios became famous across the country through Pebble Mill at One, the lunchtime magazine programme that was broadcast live from the building's foyer from 1972. It made household names of its presenters and brought a string of stars to Birmingham.

Many other well-known programmes were made at Pebble Mill over the years, including Top Gear, Gardeners' World, Telly Addicts, Howards' Way, Juliet Bravo and the daytime drama Doctors. The Archers was recorded there for decades, and Midlands Today and BBC Radio WM were broadcast from the site.

A new home

The BBC's new home at the Mailbox, the former Royal Mail sorting office that has been converted into shops, restaurants, offices and flats, puts it at the heart of the city centre. The move is part of the BBC's plans to modernise its buildings and bring its operations closer to the public.

The new building includes studios for Midlands Today, BBC Radio WM and The Archers, along with space for the public to find out more about the BBC's work in the region.

Drama production is moving to a new base in Selly Oak, where Doctors will be made.

Mixed feelings

For many staff, leaving Pebble Mill is an emotional moment. The building has been home to generations of broadcasters, and many have fond memories of working there.

Viewers and listeners also have a strong attachment to the name, which became synonymous with BBC programmes from Birmingham. Some fear that the move signals a decline in the amount of programming made in the city, although the BBC insists it remains committed to Birmingham.

The future of the site

The Pebble Mill building is expected to be demolished, and the site redeveloped. Its future use has not yet been decided.

The move comes at a time of rapid change in the city centre, with the new Bullring opening last year and a string of other developments under way. The BBC's presence at the Mailbox is expected to bring more people to the area, which has become one of the city's most fashionable places to shop and eat.

For those who remember the heyday of Pebble Mill at One, the end of an era has arrived.