Exciting news is in the air at the moment with the big reveal that the BBC Birmingham are moving to Digbeth, which opens up a plethora of opportunities for the area. The move is planned for 2026 once the new building on Bordesley Street has finished its renovation.
All of your favourite BBC teams from the Mailbox (BBC Radio West Midlands and Midlands Today) will be moving to the new site along with Newsbeat and BBC Asian Networks which are set to move into the city this year.
The new BBC offices will be setting up shop in the former Typhoo Tea Factory on Bordesley Street, which has been derelict since its closure back in 1978, situated just around the corner from the future Masterchef studio. There are plans for the renovation to make the old factory into the BBCs most sustainable and flexible centre yet.
Despite currently being set in the Mailbox, one of Birmingham’s more picturesque areas, Digbeth feels like the perfect home for the studio. With a hoard of creativity pouring out of every crevice and side street there’s no question really. Once the stomping ground of the Peaky Blinders, Digbeth nowadays plays host to the likes of BIMM Birmingham and the Screen and Film School on Little Ann St, bustling nightlife venues such as Dead Wax, The Night Owl, The Rainbow and The Old Crown, and not to mention all the independent bars and restaurants that are tucked into the Custard Factory.
Digbeth is fast becoming a colourful destination (if you ignore the ongoing roadworks) and the BBC joining us here can only bring good things to the area. Bringing a hub that nurtures and shines a light on all our creative outlets to the creative quarter makes you wonder why it wasn’t here sooner.