BT Sports to kick off at Olympic media centre

Broadcaster BT Sports has agreed tenancy on 75,000 sq ft of office space in the now vacant Olympic media centre, owners iCity confirm.

The production hub is set to become BT Sports headquarters, as the channel moves to increase its live sport content beyond Premier League matches.

The company will submit a planning application to the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) tomorrow, outlining its intention to house a 75,000 sq ft base for broadcasts within the 1m sq ft media centre.

From next season, BT Sports will show a widening selection of live events, including 38 Premier League matches with 18 ‘first-choice’ games, alongside a range of other sports including Aviva Premiership rugby union.

BT Sports has signed both a 10 year lease and heads of terms agreement with iCity and the LLDC. The HOTS agreement outlines the requirements of both parties and is awaiting ratification from the LLDC board next Wednesday.

Gavin Poole, chief executive of iCITY, said: "We are delighted that BT Sport has chosen to locate at iCITY.

"This is fantastic news for the local community. BT Sport's decision demonstrates the momentum behind iCITY and the progress we are making in fulfilling our commitment to deliver jobs, support enterprise and boost economic growth.

"We very much hope that the London Legacy Development Corporation Board approves this at its upcoming meeting."

In addition, SOS recently reported that Channel 5 are also in talks with the iCity consortium about taking space in the media centre that developers hope will emerge as a ‘digital cluster’.