Repairs Begin on China’s TVCC

Repair work has begun on China’s state-owned television broadcaster (TVCC) building after it was damaged in a fire in February 2009.

The boot-shaped Television Cultural Centre (TVCC) cost an estimated $732m to build and was due to be opened in October 2009, in conjunction with the CCTV tower.

China’s State Council recently completed a report on the structural soundness of the structure, which was gutted due to the lack of a fire-suppression system and the presence of a combustible propylene roofing membrane.

An errant firework during last year’s Lunar New Year celebrations is believed to have caused the fire, which led to the death of one firefighter and $23.4m of damage.

The TVCC building is still set to feature a 241-room hotel, a theatre and television studios.