Channel Seven makes major change after 23 years: 'End of an era'

Channel Seven will make history tonight as it broadcasts its first news segment from its new headquarters in Melbourne's CBD.

For almost a quarter of a century, 7News has broadcast from the waterfront at Harbour Esplanade, in Docklands.

Seven Network's Melbourne operation has officially relocated to its new home at Melbourne Quarter Tower (MQT) on Collins Street.

The 7News Melbourne team delivered their final bulletin from Broadcast Centre Melbourne (BCM) on Sunday night - the first of which aired in 2002.

The first live edition from the new studios will air tonight at 6pm, presented by longtime anchor Peter Mitchell alongside Rebecca Maddern and Jane Bunn.

The new facility spans two floors of Melbourne Quarter Tower and is modelled on Seven's Eveleigh headquarters in Sydney, which replaced the Martin Place office.

It now houses the network's entire Melbourne news and sport operations, including all afternoon and evening news bulletins.

Seven Horse Racing, and flagship 7AFL programs Sunday Footy Feast and The Wash Up will also operate from the same studio.

Jane Bunn (left), Peter Mitchell (centre) and Rebecca Maddern (right) will deliver their first broadcast from the new studio on Monday night

The new studios also include a dedicated space for Sunrise, giving the breakfast show greater flexibility to broadcast from Melbourne.

'Our new Melbourne home is purpose-built to embrace the future of media and is setting the benchmark for innovation in broadcast and digital production,' Seven West Media CEO and managing director Jeff Howard said.

'Our investment in the Melbourne Quarter Tower reflects the importance of the Melbourne market to Seven.

'Which is home to some of our most valued clients and content partners, including the AFL and Cricket Australia.'

Seven West Media editor-in-chief and director of news and current affairs Anthony De Ceglie said it was a pivotal moment in the network's journey.

'Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Seven Melbourne's rich history and an exciting new era for our news team,' De Ceglie said.

'We're moving from a newsroom that served us well for decades into a purpose-built space designed for the future.

'It's a shift that honours our legacy and sets the stage for what we can deliver in this state-of-the-art environment.'

The 7NEWS Melbourne studio in Docklands aired its final broadcast on Sunday night

The relocation is significant for veteran newsreader Peter Mitchell, who has anchored the 6pm bulletin every weeknight since Seven first launched broadcasts from BCM.

'There's a tinge of sadness about it for sure,' Mitchell reflected.

'I take great pride in looking back and knowing that I've been the main guy in the history of 7News at Docklands.

'It has been my privilege to represent all our staff who work so hard during all hours of the day.'

He recalled the plans to broadcast from Docklands, coinciding with the redevelopment of Melbourne's west, including construction of a new football stadium.

'I must admit I thought we would be here for more than 24 years, but that just goes to show you the changing media landscape,' Mitchell said.

He added audiences tuning in tonight will immediately notice the difference.

'The first thing the viewers will notice is that our new studio is much bigger, and the clarity and crispness of our new screens, our graphics will be better and brighter and the whole look will be much cleaner,' he said.

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