At a time when, thanks to the internet and the dawn of digital television, channels come and go ever few months, BBC3 is practically a broadcasting dinosaur as it approaches its fifth anniversary.

Launched as a 'youthful' alternative to the corporation's two main terrestrial channels, it has undoubtedly been a success, not only serving as an initial platform for shows that have subsequently made a successful switch to the mainstream – including Little Britain, Torchwood and The Mighty Boosh – but also carving out an identity of its own as a hotbed for the best in new comedy and documentaries.

However, the channel is clearly not content with resting on its laurels, with controller Danny Cohen having recently unveiled ambitious new plans for BBC3 which will see some major changes being ushered in to keep up with evolving technology and a shift in viewing patterns.

For starters, the channel's logo is to be changed, with the current blue backgrop and 'talking blobs' between shows to be replaced by a fetching new pink logo from the start of next month.

More interestingly, however, the channel will also devote more time, including peak slots, to user-generated content, highlighting the way millions of people are no longer happy with simply being passively entertained but want to get involved too.

For example, over the coming weeks BBC3 viewers can expect to see ordinary members of the public introducing the channel's shows via short films recorded at their own homes.

Furthermore, the channel will no longer combine itself to just the medium of television and plans are well under way to make it the UK's most ambitious multi-platform network, combining traditional and up-to-the-minute technologies into a single package.

Commenting on the changes, Mr Cohen said: " BBC3 is aiming to become Britain's most ambitious multiplatform network - combining television and the web into a single, integrated offering.

"The thinking behind this rebrand of the channel is that we have, in effect, created a BBC3 world in which our content can move seamlessly between TV, online and mobile.

"We have a fantastic lineup of programmes and we are going to make them available wherever young people want them."

Among the shows viewers will be able to watch on the go will be Upstaged, a new mixture of talent show and social networking, which has been described by even the channel's controllers as being a rather "risky" concept.

However, it has also been confirmed that BBC3 will still to doing what has brought it so much success so far: making innovative, yet traditional programmes, with a new series of documentaries to focus upon issues including teen pregnancies, the fashion industry and the lives of young British soldiers serving in war zones overseas.