Former Worcestershire BBC building renovated to 50-room hotel

A former BBC broadcasting centre in Worcestershire has been officially opened as a 50-room hotel and restaurant following extensive refurbishment.

The Wood Norton has undergone an extensive six-month long, £4 million renovation and 200 esteemed guests were invited along to the official opening of the historic building, including local celebrities, the Mayor and MPs.

In the early 1900s, when owned by European royalty, the Wood Norton was the venue for the marriage of Princess Louise of Orleans – the grandmother of the current King of Spain. The BBC then purchased the site in 1939 to establish an emergency broadcasting centre away from London.

It became one of the largest broadcasting centres in Europe with an average output of 1,300 programmes a week. When the war was over, Wood Norton became the BBC’s engineering training centre. MP for Mid Worcestershire Peter Luff said: “Wood Norton has played a major part in Worcestershire’s history, from its early days as a hunting lodge for European Royalty, through its role in the Cold War to its time with the BBC.

“The new owners have done a great job in turning it into what, I know, will be a successful hotel and restaurant. Worcestershire is a great destination and it needs and deserves great tourist facilities,” he added.

Oliver Cooke, general manager of the Wood Norton, said: “As a previous broadcasting centre, and now hotel, we’re keen to make this place a real talking point of its own. Last night was an absolutely fabulous evening, and just the first step in making this hotel one of the places to visit in the UK. We have grand plans, and this is just the beginning!”

Rooms at the Wood Norton which range from historic rooms to a night in the ‘stables’ start from £85 per night including a full English breakfast and suites start from £235 per night.

For further information call 01386 765611, email sales@thewoodnorton.com or visit the website.