BT secures contract for Olympic media centre

A new television channel will broadcast from London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from next year, pending approval from the London Legacy Development Corporation.

BT Sport will become the main tenant of the International Broadcast Centre under the 10-year deal, which will see 7,000 sq m of space refurbished with three television studios, a control centre, 20 editing-suites and an audience-holding area.

Mayor Boris Johnson and the London Legacy Development Corporation Board will consider BT’s planning application on Wednesday.

If the deal is approved BT Sport will move to the Stratford facilities in February next year and begin broadcasting from August.

Johnson says he is looking forward to considering the “exciting proposal”.

BT chief executive Ian Livingston says the park will provide an iconic backdrop for BT Sport and will act as a reminder of the sporting feats achieved at the Olympics and Paralympics.

BT has the television rights to screen 38 live Premier League matches and 69 live rugby union games each season.

Former BBC Formula One and football presenter Jake Humphrey will front live coverage.