English Heritage is strongly urging the Government to recognise the cultural and architectural importance of the BBC Television Centre in Wood Lane, west London. The conservation body wants parts of the building and its grounds - including the main studios and the Blue Peter garden - to be granted grade-II listing. Peter Beacham, English Heritage's heritage protection director, said: "This building is not just architecturally important. "As one of the first purpose-built television studios in the world, it represents the moment when Britain led Europe into the television age.

"The BBC itself is an important part of our British identity and Television Centre has acquired an iconic presence... The nation has an immense fondness for this building and what it represents for our culture. "We all feel we know areas such as the Blue Peter garden and the studios where people have watched significant moments in broadcasting over the last 50 years - from early Doctor Who to Top Of The Pops, Terry Wogan and Children In Need." English Heritage is requesting listed status for Television Centre's scenery workshop, its 1950s canteen overlooking the Blue Peter garden, and the distinctive circular block housing offices and the main studios. At present there are some 370,000 architecturally important buildings in England which have listed status. English Heritage says it will ensure that listing Television Centre does not affect the BBC's ability to adapt it to changing technology or new uses. It is now up to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to decide whether to grant the application. READ ALAN TITCHMARSH AT THE DAILY EXPRESS