King's signs lease for former BBC HQ

King's College London has today signed leases for four iconic buildings in the Aldwych Quarter, next to its historic Stand campus. The university has now reached agreement with owners Kato Kagaku Ltd to lease the recently refurbished buildings, formerly known as the Bush House Complex. King's will take occupancy of the four main buildings - King House, Strand House, Melbourne House and Bush House (the former BBC World Service headquarters), on a phased basis from September 2016. The Duke of Wellington, Chairman of King's College London, said the move is a 'once in a generation opportunity for King's to acquire a very high quality and prestigious space.' 'Our campus on the Strand has for too long had inadequate and cramped teaching space. This acquisition of Bush House will transform our original campus, which dates back to 1829,' he said. 'A defining moment' President & Principal, Professor Edward Byrne AC, added: 'This acquisition represents a defining moment in the history of King's. We aim to consolidate our position as a top 20 global university by providing world class education and research facilities.