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BBC One’s flagship continuing drama series has been granted approval to rebuild and expand the exterior set at its Elstree home in order to secure the long-term future of both the show and site.

The BBC Executive Board has approved the terms of the build, and subject to planning permission, the works will start soon, with completion expected in 2018.

EastEnders has been filming on the existing exterior set for nearly 30 years and the improvements to the new extended set will provide both the scale and flexibility necessary to support and develop the show so that it continues to deliver for audiences in the years ahead.

The new set will provide a modern, upgraded exterior filming resource for EastEnders, replicating the appearance of the existing set but 20 per cent bigger to enable greater editorial ambition and improve working conditions for staff. A temporary set will be created on site to enable filming to continue while the permanent structure is rebuilt. The BBC is currently exploring legacy options for the long-term use of the temporary set including visitor tours and educational opportunities.

Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Executive Producer, EastEnders, says: “This is a really exciting project and firmly demonstrates the BBC’s commitment to the future of EastEnders. We have ambitious plans for the show and the new exterior set will help bring those to life and better reflect the East End of London on screen for audiences. The bigger and improved set will increase the potential for storylines, increase quality and meet the demands of future technology requirements. Crucially, it will provide a greater sense of scale with more locations for our characters to spend time in, opening up new areas and opportunities that haven’t been possible before – all of which are in the best interest of our viewers.”

Kate Harwood, Head of Drama England at BBC Drama Production, says: “I’m glad the BBC Executive Board has agreed that this project is crucial to investing in the future of EastEnders. The improvements and modernisation are vital to the growth and development of the show. As we approach the show’s 30th anniversary, this is a really exciting opportunity to underpin the future of one of the BBC’s most important programmes.”

An independent review highlighted the importance of the show to audiences and to the BBC as a whole, and supported investment in the exterior lot.

It is expected that preparatory work will begin at BBC Elstree later this year, followed by the start of the construction works for the temporary set in early 2015.