They are actually already using the linked beta as the homepage of bbc.co.uk.
PS – That’s not the “allot” you should be using.

“a lot”

I commend the BBC on simply trying to improve their website design. A lot of major American news websites are stuck in the “all information, no design” mold.

Thx for the orthography, fixed now.

As for the BBC News site, they at least show us that major news sites can be in BETA. I like the idea that they’ll be working on the site, and will keep on improving it.

Certainly needs improving — grey text on white? What were they thinking?

Plus the design doesn’t appear to be grid-based, with numerous elements on seperate alignments both vertically and horizontally.

And despite being wider, there’s now 25% less words (primarily fewer story links), ruining the user experience — more scrolling and eye scanning required for less content.

The whole thing is very strange.

I actually think it looks and acts great. I am sure we can all judge and argue on the fact its based on tables and that it’s not using cutting edge
Ajax tricks, but what really matters in content/news sites like this should be user experience in terms of readability and reach.

I firmly believe (both previous and current) BBC design excels in both areas.