“It is the first step in creating an interactive online museum with access to the entire collection, which is one of the most important archives in modern music history.” (Tom Barker, Director, John Peel Centre for Creative Arts)

“The idea is to digitally recreate John’s home studio and record collection, which users will be able to interact with and contribute to, whilst viewing Peel’s personal notes, archive performances and new filmed interviews with musicians.” (Frank Prendergast – Eye Film and Television’s Creative Director)

Sheila Ravenscroft, John Peel’s wife and Patron of the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts said: “We’re very happy that we’ve finally found a way to make John’s amazing collection available to his fans, as he would have wanted. This project is only the beginning of something very exciting”.

Eye Film and Television has a long-standing relationship with the Peel family having worked on a number of television projects with him including the ITV series “Going Home”. Eye will be working with the John Peel Centre, musicians and fans to create the digital content for the platform.

The Space will run from May to October across PCs, smartphones, tablets, internet connected TVs and will also be available as a red button, video on demand service via Freeview HD.

Arts Council England is committing up to £3.5m, while the BBC is contributing to the partnership by developing the technological solutions and providing ongoing support.