
The BBC building
formely known as Pebble Mill, in Edgbaston, was built on land that was
acquired by the BBC in 1951. However, it wasn't until 1967 that
planning permission was granted on this nine acre site.
The
building was opened by HRH Princess Anne on the 10th November 1971.
This was the first building in the UK to be purpose built as a
broadcasting centre.
The
broadcasting centre was orginally designed for three studios but the
third was never completed. The seven storey building was home to
television and radio studios, canteens, a post office and gardens.
Many
famous programmes were made here over the years but unfortunately as
the technological advances of the digital age changed the way
programmes were made its importance and relevance began to
decline.
Additionally
the building was in poor condition. It was going to cost a lot of money
to refurbish and replace the cladding that was falling off the
structure. A decision was made to vacate the premises and move the
studios to the The Mailbox in 2004.

During the summer of
2005 the contents of Pebble Mill were auctioned off and the demolition
crews moved in. By the end of September Pebble Mill had been reduced to
a pile of rubble.