New BBC studios get the green light in Digbeth

Plans for the BBC’s new studios have been approved by Birmingham City Council.

Digbeth’s Banana Warehouse will be transformed into the first building of the new Digbeth Loc. Studios, with MasterChef relocating there in 2024.

Property developer and investor Stanhope is leading the Banana Warehouse renovation, with design by Digbeth-based architecture practice K4 and planning consultancy from Avison Young.

The 1840’s canal-side building will be regenerated into pre and post-production and filming spaces and extended to include a stage, a contestant’s room, critic’s dining, offices and a prep kitchen.

Developed by ShineTV, MasterChef shows such as MasterChef: The Professionals, Celebrity MasterChef, and Young MasterChef for BBC Three, as well as any festive editions, will now be made in Digbeth.

Ian Ward, Birmingham City Council leader, said: “The BBC decision to switch MasterChef production to Birmingham is a huge vote of confidence in our creative sector and planning consent for the new studio in Digbeth is the next important step in this exciting project”.

Digbeth Loc. has been spearheaded by Birmingham screenwriter and director Steven Knight as part of a wider regeneration development.

The scheme is set to be home to film and TV studios, a hotel and workspaces and will be located near the 84,001 sq ft purpose-built BBC broadcast centre at Typhoon Tea, set to house a range of BBC editorial teams including BBC Asian Network, BBC Newsbeat, as well as BBC Radio WM and Midlands Today.

The move for all teams forms part of the broadcaster’s plan to do more editorial spending and decision-making outside of London alongside presenting the BBC’s commitment to the region.