Bush House facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bush House
Bush House viewed from Kingsway
General information
Location	Aldwych, City of Westminster, London
Country	United Kingdom
Coordinates	51°30′45.9″N 0°07′02.2″W / 51.512750°N 0.117278°W / 51.512750; -0.117278
Current tenants	King's College London
Construction started	1925
Completed	1935
Owner	Kato Kagaku
Design and construction
Architect	Harvey W. Corbett
Designations	Grade II listed building

Bush House is a famous building in London, England. It's located at the end of Kingsway, between Aldwych and the Strand. This building is so special that it's a Grade II listed building, meaning it's protected for its historical importance.

An American businessman named Irving T. Bush first imagined Bush House as a big new center for trade. He hired American architect Harvey Wiley Corbett to design it. Work on the building started in 1925 and was fully finished by 1935. At one point, in 1929, it was even called the "most expensive building in the world"!

For 70 years, from 1941 to 2012, Bush House was the main home for the BBC World Service. This is the part of the BBC that broadcasts news and programs around the world. The very last BBC broadcast from Bush House was on July 12, 2012. Now, the BBC World Service broadcasts from Broadcasting House.

Since 2015, King's College London, a large university, has taken over Bush House. It's now a big part of their Strand Campus.

History of Bush House

The idea for Bush House came from American individuals and companies. Irving T. Bush got approval for his plans in 1919. He wanted it to be a major new place for international trade. The building was designed by American architect Harvey Wiley Corbett. A company called John Mowlem & Co built it.

Bush House was built in different parts over 10 years. The main Centre Block opened in 1925. Other parts, called wings, opened between 1928 and 1935. The whole building was finally completed in 1935.

The official opening ceremony happened on July 4, 1925. Lord Balfour, a important government official, opened the building. During the ceremony, two statues were revealed at the entrance. These statues were made by American artist Malvina Hoffman. They represent the friendship between English-speaking people. The building even has an inscription that says: "To the friendship of English speaking peoples."

Home of the BBC World Service

The BBC's European Service moved into Bush House in 1941. They had to move because bombs damaged their original building, Broadcasting House, during The Blitz in 1940. The BBC Overseas Service also moved there later in 1958. The BBC World Service used four different parts of the building.

In 1944, Bush House was hit by a V-1 flying bomb, which caused some damage to the outside.

The BBC also had other departments in Bush House, like BBC Online for a while. The BBC World Service eventually moved all its operations back to Broadcasting House. The final broadcast from Bush House was on July 12, 2012.

The BBC's agreement to use Bush House ended in 2012.

King's College London Campus

After the BBC moved out, Bush House and its nearby wings were completely renovated. This work was done by John Robertson Architects. The goal was to modernize the building while keeping its original historical features.

On March 10, 2015, King's College London announced they had signed a 50-year lease for Bush House and the surrounding buildings. This was a big step in expanding their Strand Campus. John Robertson Architects then worked to turn the buildings into a modern university campus.

They added a large 400-seat auditorium, lecture halls, and seminar rooms. They also created academic offices and a health center for students. The central courtyard, which used to be a car park, was turned into a public space. It now has a new glass building that leads to the Students' Union.

Since August 1, 2017, the King's Business School has been located inside Bush House. This school helps students learn about business. The central part of Bush House also hosts The Department of Informatics, which brings together people who work in business and technology.

The King's College London Students' Union (KCLSU) also has spaces in Bush House. Their shop opened in 2017, and other student areas opened in 2018. The KCLSU represents all students at King's College London.

Images for kids

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  A stairway in Bush House

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  Detail of the exedra

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  To the Friendship of English speaking peoples monument

See also

• Bush Terminal
• Bush Tower
• Marian Spore Bush
• Rufus T. Bush