Inquiries over site earmarked for BBC

SUTTON Harbour Holdings has given the strongest hint yet that the BBC's much-delayed move to a new waterside studio might never materialise.

Chief executive Jason Schofield revealed the company has received enquiries from several other potential tenants about the planned tower on prime land at East Quays.

The £25million BBC scheme was granted planning permission back in 2008.

Work did begin on the prominent plot, beside Salt Quay House, but ground to a halt with the national broadcaster saying it wanted to review its options.

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A 2007 agreement between the BBC and Sutton Harbour means either party can tear up the deal for good next month.

Mr Schofield told The Herald plans to bring the broadcaster to the harbour were still on the table.

But he admitted other parties had also been eyeing the "fantastic location".

"All the way through the last few difficult years we've had enquiries about this site," Mr Schofield said.

"Whether or not the BBC do become our tenant, this location is absolutely fantastic.

"We're still in discussions with them [the BBC] so we'll just have to wait and see.

"We would still dearly love them to be down here."

Work ground to a halt after developers Charles Church pulled out of the scheme citing the credit crunch.

The BBC, whose local staff are currently based at its old offices in Mannamead, had originally planned to move into the 22,000sq ft base by the end of 2010.

Earlier this year, The Herald revealed how a heads of terms agreement signed with construction giant Sir Robert McAlpine Enterprises Ltd had not yet been accepted by BBC bosses.