A Touch of Class

At 6am on the 7th September 1992 Classic FM went on air for the first time to 80% of the UK population. Veale Associates designed and managed the project, ensuring Classic FM would be ready to begin broadcasting within just nine months of being awarded the license

In 2005 Classic FM's owners GWR merged with Capital Radio to form GCap Media: this amalgamation brought with it the relocation of Classic FM's studios and headquarters, to premises in Leicester Square and, once again Veale Associates were given the task of designing, project managing, creating and delivering three refurbished studios, a new waiting area, entrance, and office space, in under three months..."

this they did

Classic FM’s first studios were set in a 6000 sq feet basement in a secluded part of Camden, close enough to the media heart of London but without being extravagant

A stylish open plan office area for presentation and news staff and, above, a 2000 sq ft office for sales and administration were created. The building, located next to the canal, provided no traffic noise problems: however a main BR railway line only 80 yards away created problem vibrations through the 1930’s mass concrete and, in addition, the canal water level was 5 feet higher than the studio floor

Since it’s launch, Classic FM has become a distinguished name and currently delivers radio plus a plethora of media including TV, books, records and concerts

When in 2005 it was decided to relocate Classic FM to GCap’s premises in Leicester Square, Veale Associates were again given the task to create a space where they would be integrated with the other group stations: Capital Radio, theJazz, Capital Disney, Capital Gold, XFM, and Choice FM

Classic FM required an entrance and waiting area which would greet their guests with the Classic FM brand and style, a space that was distinct from others, reflecting and illustrating their diversity whilst retaining their sophisticated, clean, tranquil appearance but with a modern edge

The Leicester Square building accommodates a range of stations, with diverse styles and identities. Veale Associates had designed many of the stations in the past and, in order to meet Classic FM’s desires, had to be re-think the space by opening up and reconstructing the area to create a light, airy, spacious environment