German composer Hans Zimmer has reportedly purchased the BBC's iconic Maida Vale recording studios for £10.5 million.

The Daily Mail quoted unnamed sources that suggested the sale had been finalised in recent weeks. 

The Grade II-listed building is regarded as a mecca of UK music and played host to generations of artists including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Smiths, Radiohead and Beyoncé.

The building in Delaware Road was originally a roller-skating venue, before it was converted into the studios in 1933, becoming home to the BBC Symphony Orchestra a year later.

However, the building went on sale last year, following an announcement by the corporation in 2018 that it would relocate to purpose-built music studios in Stratford by 2025.

If confirmed, the purchase would mark a significant expansion for Zimmer's production company, 14th Street Music, which is currently based in Santa Monica, California.

The Daily Mail claimed that industry experts suggest that the composer plans to use the UK studios as a base to write major film scores.

Zimmer's profile as a composer has risen in recent years, thanks in part to his work on Hollywood movies such as Inception, Gladiator, and The Lion King, which he scored for the 2019 live-action remake.

The composer proposed to his partner Dina De Luca on stage at London's O2 Arena during a recent concert, and it appears that he plans to extend his British connection through his company's acquisition of the historic Maida Vale studios.

Previously, industry insiders had raised concerns that any redevelopment could damage the studio's heritage.

The studios, which comprise seven sound stages, were granted a Grade II listing in 2020, meaning that they are subject to strict planning regulations.

Several musicians and producers took to social media to express their hopes that the site's history would be preserved.

Last year, Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich tweeted: "Don't destroy this beautiful studio!

"There are so few of these places left and this particular room is steeped in history." 

When asked to confirm the sale, estate agents Lambert Smith Hampton deferred to the BBC.

A BBC spokesperson said they would not be commenting on the reports.