The BBC Midlands’ plans for new headquarters at former Typhoo Tea Factory, Digbeth approved

The BBC Midlands office - The Tea Factory - is part of a larger plan to reinvigorate Digbeth
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Birmingham City Council planners have approved the BBC’s new home at the former Typhoo Tea factory in Digbeth. The BBC office is currently located inside the Mailbox in Birmingham City Centre.

The application for the new 84,000 sq ft office was submitted by leading developer Stoford. The custom-built centre will be known as The Tea Factory and several editorial teams will be house here when it opens in 2026. However, this is not the only change coming to Digbeth.

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Gerard Ludlow, Director at Stoford, said the Bordesley Street landmark represents the first phase of a wider masterplan for the surrounding area. The developer wants to build 800,000 sq ft of new residential, office and hospitality accommodation around the new BBC building. The wider scheme will see more than 10 acres of underutilised land around Typhoo Wharf and the adjoining canal basin transformed into a new mixed-use neighbourhood characterised by attractive public spaces and open thoroughfares over the next decade.

He added: “Our hard work over the past couple of years has built up to this and we are excited to be given the go ahead to begin transforming and reusing the building,” he said.

“We’ve been working closely with the BBC to ensure we not only keep the historic legacy of the almost 100-year-old factory but also deliver a pioneering scheme using low carbon principles. We are looking forward to breathing new life into it.”

The development of the BBC’s new home is being seen as a catalyst to reinvigorate the wider area.

BBC will be opening its new office in 2026 BBC will be opening its new office in 2026
BBC will be opening its new office in 2026
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“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,” added Gerard.

The Tea Factory will house several BBC editorial teams including The Archers, BBC Asian Network, BBC Newsbeat, BBC Radio WM and Midlands Today.

What BBC Head of Midlands said

Stuart Thomas, BBC Head of Midlands said: “This is a crucial and exciting step on the road to the BBC moving into The Tea Factory in 2026. Having a new home for the BBC in Birmingham is all part of our commitment to do more in the Midlands, and breathing life into this wonderful factory will help turbo charge the whole of Digbeth into the city’s creative heart.”

What Birmingham City Council said

Birmingham City Council leader Cllr Ian Ward said: “The new BBC HQ at The Tea Factory represents a huge vote of confidence in Birmingham and our creative sector, so I’m delighted the project has now been granted planning permission.

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“Our vision for Digbeth is to build on established creative businesses, attracting and encouraging new ones, and the BBC move added to the coming of HS2, the Midland Metro extension and the Masterchef move will help us attract further investment.

“Birmingham is a city of untapped talent and the BBC’s investment will help that talent flourish and grow, as we create new jobs and opportunities for our citizens.”

What mayor Andy Street said

WMCA Mayor Andy Street announced the news on Twitter and added: “I’ve worked closely with Director General Tim Davie to secure this incredible commitment, which will act as catalyst for the continued regeneration of Digbeth. We probably need a film studio next.”

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