BBC’s newly-approved HQ set to anchor Birmingham regeneration
Birmingham City Council has given the green light for the BBC to move into its new Midlands headquarters in the former Typhoo factory, in a move which would see the broadcaster anchor a huge mixed-use regeneration project.
The approval could be a catalyst which sees the Digbeth area of Birmingham become a hub for a number of industries with the construction of commercial and residential buildings as well as public realm improvements.
The BBC aims to move into the 84,000 sq ft The Tea Factory by 2026.
As part of the developments, the nearby Benacre Drive is expected to become a home to many commercial and retail units, playing a similar role to Shoreditch’s Boxpark.
The developments will also see potential extended metro line from Bull Street through the HS2 site.
The application includes a public route to the new BBC Midlands hub, as well as a public square and a temporary pedestrian route linking Hs2 Curzon Street Station.
The entire development is expected to cost £200m.
Gerard Ludlow, director at Stoford, which submitted the application, said: “We all recognise the opportunities the creation of The Tea Factory will bring because it will help to attract both private and public sector investment into Digbeth.”