BBC Cymru Wales Confirms Plans for Drama Centre

Last Updated on Monday, 18 January 2010 16:06 Monday, 18 January 2010 14:57

BBC Cymru Wales has confirmed that construction on a new drama production centre will start within months, if planning consent is granted.

Menna Richards, Director of BBC Cymru Wales, also confirmed that a site at Roath Basin in Cardiff Bay has been identified for the new production base which will bring together a range of BBC dramas, including Doctor Who, Casualty and the BBC's longest-running TV soap Pobol y Cwm.

"The BBC has confirmed it is to build a drama centre at Roath Basin in Cardiff Bay and has reached agreement with key partners to complete the site, subject to planning consent," she said.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to build on the success of BBC Wales drama production and the wider creative industries in Wales.

"We look forward to welcoming the cast and crew of the enormously successful Casualty to this new centre of excellence to work side-by-side with the other award-winning dramas which are already made in Wales."

The drama production centre plan is part of the BBC's commitment to double TV network production from Wales by 2016.

Currently, BBC Wales produces drama output at two separate sites, at Llandaff in Cardiff and Upper Boat, near Pontypridd, as well as a number of locations around Wales.

The new drama centre will be central to a growing stable of network drama produced in Wales – recent productions have included the award-winning Doctor Who, The Sarah Jane Adventures and Torchwood.

Casualty will begin production in Wales from summer 2011.