Renovated statue of Greek God back at centre of 'doughnut'

Helios has returned to his rightful place at the centre of Wood Lane's Television Centre.

The spectacular three metre high gilded bronze statue was first erected in the centre's Rotunda in 1960 for the opening of the former BBC Centre, representing the radiation of television light around the world.

Now Television Centre developer Stanhope and construction manager Mace have returned Helios, which was designed by British sculptor T B Huxley-Jones, to the Television Centre 'doughnut' after repair and renovation.

Now Helios, who was the personification of the sun in Greek mythology, will once again be the centrepiece of a fountain and two reclining figures beneath the fountain bowl represent sound and vision, the two components of television.

The Helios courtyard will be remodelled by architects AHMM and the statue will once again form the centrepiece of Television Centre.

The redevelopment of Television Centre will provide 950 new homes – with 432 in the first phase - plus 500,000 sq ft of office space, a new Soho House club and hotel, as well as restaurants and cafes.

The BBC will return to three refurbished studios in September 2017 and BBC Worldwide completed their move to the site in March 2015, with over 1,200 people in their new headquarters on Wood Lane.

Alistair Shaw, Managing Director of Television Centre, said: "Television Centre is a British icon and the Helios statue is synonymous with this famous building. It is a very special moment for everyone involved with the project now that Helios has returned as part of the renovated inner courtyard.

"The BBC’s heritage has a vital role to play in the future of Television Centre and we will also be retaining the iconic Television Centre atomic dots, the John Piper mural and the cantilever staircase – as well as the beloved Blue Peter mural – which are all integral to what we are creating at Television Centre.

"This is not just a housing development, we are doing something very different here to create a vibrant new neighbourhood in White City."

February 20, 2017