Former BBC studios where EastEnders was filmed riddled with asbestos

A crumbling production complex where EastEnders and other iconic BBC TV shows have been filmed has been found to be riddled with asbestos. 

A pre-demolition survey of BBC Elstree Centre — sold to investment giant AXA IM Alts — shows that the substance is present across the buildings. 

Asbestos material was found in studios, a restaurant, the Central Technical Area, Hart House, the historic Fairbanks, a maintenance building and Neptune House, where Holby City was filmed.  

The new owners commissioned the survey as they turn the world-famous site in Borehamwood, north west London, into a film-making complex meeting modern standards. 

At the Art Deco-style studios where EastEnders, Children in Need and the BBC’s General Election coverage have been filmed, the material was found in more than 150 different places.  

One sample was taken from insulation within a wall void and given a high priority classification. 

The inspectors found that the material was likely to be ‘easily disturbed’ and flagged it as ‘remove.’

Another sample taken from a restaurant block was classed as ‘high priority’.  

However the material, used for thermal insulation, was judged ‘usually inaccessible or unlikely to be disturbed.’

Another sample was taken from stairs on the ground floor of studios M and C, according to the document released this week.

The presence of the material was judged ‘low risk’ but Asbestos Consultants Europe Ltd recommended it be removed.  

AXA IM Alts said in January 2024 that it had exchanged contracts with the BBC for the 16-acre campus, with the deal due to be completed early this year.  

EastEnders will remain in an already modernised part of the site under a deal between the old and new owners to lease back part of the studio campus over the next 25 years. 

The investment company has said in a planning application that ‘the existing premises are no longer fit for purpose’ and the redevelopment ‘will boost the Elstree film industry.’  

The buyers, who are working with Oxygen Studios on the plans, intend to create a major new film and TV production complex with modern day requirements able to attract large-scale productions.

The new development has been named Fairbanks Studios in tribute to actor Douglas Fairbanks, who leased studios on the site in 1952. 

The report was carried out to protect workers and others from ‘asbestos containing materials’ which might be unknowingly disturbed during demolition work.  

A spokesperson for AXA IM Alts said: ‘We are fully aware of the presence of asbestos on the site which is common in old buildings and those that have been added to during their lifespan.  

‘These buildings are not currently in use and have not been occupied since we acquired them.

‘Our development plans to transform the site into a fit for purpose, modern media campus already account for the safe removal of any asbestos using experts in this field and according to current regulations.’ 

The BBC forwarded a request for comment from Metro to AXA IM Alts.

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