Bush House
Bush House is a Grade II listed building at the southern end of Kingsway between Aldwych and the Strand in London, England. It was conceived as a major new trade centre by American industrialist Irving T. Bush, and commissioned, designed, funded, and constructed under his direction. The design was approved in 1919, work began in 1925, and was completed in 1935. Erected in stages, by 1929 Bush House was already declared the "most expensive building in the world".
| Bush House | |
|---|---|
Bush House viewed from Kingsway | |
Location within Central London | |
| General information | |
| Location | Aldwych, City of Westminster, London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 51°30′45.9″N 0°07′02.2″W |
| Current tenants | King's College London |
| Construction started | 1925 |
| Completed | 1935 |
| Owner | Kato Kagaku |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Harvey W. Corbett |
| Designations | Grade II listed building |
Now part of the Strand Campus of King's College London, Bush House previously served as the headquarters of the BBC World Service. Broadcasting from Bush House lasted for 70 years, from winter 1941 to summer 2012. The final BBC broadcast from Bush House was the 12 noon BST news bulletin on 12 July 2012. The BBC World Service is now housed in Broadcasting House in Portland Place. King's College London has taken over the premises since acquiring the lease in 2015.
The longtime occupation of part of Bush House by HM Revenue and Customs (and its predecessor department the Inland Revenue) ended in March 2021 when it vacated the South-West Wing. This wing will also become a part of King's College London's Strand Campus, ensuring all wings of the building are now occupied by the University.