Bid to list Thrower garden

Percy Thrower’s Blue Peter garden and the studios where Top Of The Pops was filmed could get listed status under new proposals.

English Heritage is urging the Government to recognise the cultural and architectural importance of the BBC Television Centre in Wood Lane, west London.

The conservation body wants parts of the building and its grounds - including the main studios and the Blue Peter garden, designed by Shropshire gardening legend Percy Thrower - to be granted Grade II listing.

Peter Beacham, English Heritage’s heritage protection director, said: “This building is not just architecturally important. We all feel we know areas such as the Blue Peter garden and the studios where people have watched significant moments in broadcasting over the last 50 years - from early Doctor Who to Top Of The Pops, Terry Wogan and Children In Need.”

English Heritage is requesting listed status for Television Centre’s scenery workshop, its 1950s canteen overlooking the Blue Peter garden, and the distinctive circular block housing offices and the main studios.