The International Broadcast Centre/Main Press Centre (IBC/MPC) will be a 24-hour media hub for around 20,000 broadcasters, photographers and journalists – bringing the Games to an estimated four billion people worldwide.

The new facilities will provide around 120,000 square metres of employment space. The use of the facilities after the Games will be considered and consulted on as part of the London Development Agency’s (LDA’s) plans for developing the area after the Games - known as the Legacy Masterplan Framework.

Design

As well as state-of-the-art facilities, the development will contain:

• transport and welcome areas
• a 1,300-space multi-storey car park
• a studio tower with panoramic views
• a security area
• a bus drop-off area

The consortium that will develop the IBC/MPC for use during and after the Games has been appointed. Planning permission and designs are expected to be agreed later in 2008. It will provide detailed designs showing what the buildings will look like during the Games.

Following this, construction is planned to start in 2009 and is due to finish in July 2011.

Access and inclusion

We want to make sure these buildings are designed for a culturally and ethnically diverse workforce. The IBC/MPC buildings will meet the ODA’s inclusive design standards.

Sustainability

The current design proposal for the IBC/MPC includes innovative buildings and technology that will provide a sustainable facility during and after the Games.

Sustainable technologies such as wind and solar power will help reduce carbon use across the Olympic Park.

The proposed designs will also deliver substantial water savings, through rainwater collection facilities and the removal of water from underground.

Transport

To help get the media to and from the IBC/MPC, a Media Transport Mall will be built next to the buildings. The Mall will help manage bus traffic – taking the media between the IBC/MPC and their accommodation or competition venues outside the Park.

After the Games, a 'green' travel plan will encourage those using the IBC/MPC to use initiatives such as car clubs and car sharing. There will also be places to charge electric vehicles and extensive walking and cycling facilities.

In addition, walking and cycling links from the buildings to Hackney Wick and Stratford Regional Stations will be developed for use after the Games.