With the relocation of BBC Radio Cambridgeshire to Lothbury House came an opportunity to transform a commercial office floor into a future‑ready broadcast workplace. The new facility needed to support live radio production, multimedia content creation and hybrid working, while providing the resilience and technical performance expected of a modern broadcasting hub.
Delivering broadcast‑grade performance within a conventional office floorplan presented a series of constraints. Critical studio and technical spaces required tightly controlled environmental conditions, acoustic separation and uninterrupted power, all within the limitations of a shallow raised floor, variable ceiling voids and a lightweight roof construction. Engineering systems had to be robust, discreet, and adaptable, supporting creative activity without disrupting live output.
Working alongside Architects Flanagan Laurence, we developed an integrated mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) strategy supported by coordinated acoustic and fire engineering. Dedicated cooling systems were designed specifically for technical rooms, with plant located outside studio ‘box‑in‑box’ structures and airflow attenuated to minimise noise. Separate electrical supplies with uninterruptible power ensure broadcast continuity during mains interruptions.
Power infrastructure was fully modernised throughout, with new metered distribution boards providing clear separation of lighting, power and technical loads. Rationalised underfloor and overhead containment maximised flexibility and future adaptability, while intelligent LED lighting, presence detection and daylight dimming reduced energy demand and improved comfort.
Through a highly coordinated engineering approach, the BBC, with main contractor Parkeray, successfully reinvented a standard office floor into an efficient and resilient broadcast environment. The result is a workplace that supports creativity, comfort and operational continuity, establishing Lothbury House as a blueprint for future BBC local radio facilities.
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