Gazing up, you’d once see the iconic Kent House tower. This was part of The London Studios complex. The London Studios played a huge role in British television history. Now mostly demolished, let’s look back at its vibrant past.
The London Studios, also known as the South Bank Television Centre, stood proudly in Lambeth. It was originally built for London Weekend Television. For many years, it was a central hub for ITV. It also hosted various production companies. Think of iconic shows like Good Morning Britain and The Graham Norton Show. Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway also called this place home. The London Studios even welcomed programmes from the BBC and Channel 4.
Opened in 1972, The London Studios quickly became one of Europe’s most advanced television centres. Before being known as The London Studios, the complex was called The South Bank Television Centre. In 2013, ITV finally bought the freehold for a hefty sum. Social media affectionately called the building “ITV Towers”. But officially, it remained The London Television Centre. The studio business was branded as The London Studios.
Kent House, a 24-storey tower, housed ITV plc and many production offices. These included ITV Studios and Shiver Productions. Programme production offices, edit suites, and graphic booths buzzed with activity. Sandwiched between Kent House Tower and the River Thames was the main studio block. This block contained studios 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. You’d also find the restaurant, takeaway bar, and management offices here.
Studio 1 was the largest, accommodating audiences up to 638. This made it perfect for big entertainment shows. Studio 2 hosted shows like Piers Morgan’s Life Stories. It could accommodate up to 462 audience members. Studio 3 was home to Loose Women and Lorraine. It even briefly housed GMTV. Studio 5, located at the bottom of Kent House, was previously used by GMTV for 17 years. Studio 7 offered panoramic views of the London skyline. The London News Network broadcasted local news from here.
Interestingly, there was never a “Studio 6” in The London Studios. However, a bar and restaurant in Gabriel’s Wharf next door was named “Studio Six”. The name came about because employees often frequented the Mulberry Bush pub. People would joke that someone was “in studio 6” when they were at the pub.
The London Studios were originally built for London Weekend Television LWT. In 1991, Carlton Television won the London weekday franchise. Carlton rented space from The London Studios for its post-production and continuity facilities. All ITV plc-owned regions’ continuity before national programmes was presented from The London Studios.
In 1994, Granada Group took over LWT and acquired the building. Eventually, Carlton and Granada owned all the franchises in England and Wales. The studios produced the bulk of original ITV Studios’ programmes. However, anyone could hire the studios. The London Studios was home to many popular programmes. It became a cultural landmark.
Sadly, The London Studios closed its doors on April 30, 2018. ITV intended to redevelop the site. But in October 2018, it announced it would not be returning. Instead, the site would be redeveloped into premium housing. In November 2019, ITV sold The London Studios to Mitsubishi Estate London. New plans for a commercial development were revealed in February 2021.
Though The London Studios is no more, its legacy lives on. It remains a significant chapter in the story of British television. Its studios fostered creativity. Its programmes entertained millions. The London Studios will always be remembered.