Digbeth Creative Quarter welcomes BBC Masterchef - and why it’s just a start

At least one new primetime drama series and one new primetime entertainment series are also to be commissioned in the region
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The growing creative content quarter in Digbeth is welcoming BBC Masterchef - and say it’s just the start of more investment coming to Birmingham.

Local industry group Create Central and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street lobbied to bring more BBC production to Birmingham.

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The BBC and Masterchef producer, Shine TV (part of Banjay UK) have now agreed a multi series deal, which sees the production move out of London for the first time since 2001 and a commitment to Masterchef titles on the BBC for six years.

Jon Swain (Shine TV) Tim Davie (Director General BBC), Dan Lee (MasterChef The Professionals Champion 2021), Steven Knight, Kate Phillips (BBC Entertainment), Andy Street (West Midlands Major)Jon Swain (Shine TV) Tim Davie (Director General BBC), Dan Lee (MasterChef The Professionals Champion 2021), Steven Knight, Kate Phillips (BBC Entertainment), Andy Street (West Midlands Major)
Jon Swain (Shine TV) Tim Davie (Director General BBC), Dan Lee (MasterChef The Professionals Champion 2021), Steven Knight, Kate Phillips (BBC Entertainment), Andy Street (West Midlands Major)

MasterChef has consistently been the BBC’s highest rating cookery format over the past five years and the latest series had its highest rating launch since 2017.  

Celebrity MasterChef is the BBC’s second highest rating cookery show after MasterChef, while the most recent series of MasterChef: The Professionals, (which moved from BBC Two to BBC One in 2020), saw a record-breaking performance. 

MasterChef series of programmes coming to Birmingham is the first title to make the move, with Create Central saying that at least one new primetime drama series and one new primetime entertainment series to be commissioned in the region; alongside significant investment in training and development for new entrants to the industry. 

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Ed Shedd, Chair of Create Central, said “The MasterChef family of programmes coming to the West Midlands is wonderful news.

“Create Central’s new, long-term partnership with the BBC is all about attracting high-profile productions and investment to the region.

“This is just the start of the BBC’s investment in the region which generates a wider creative evolution, with the licence fee acting as venture capital for our local creative economy.” 

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What has West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said about BBC Masterchef production moving to Birmingham?

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Working with the BBC’s new Director General Tim Davie we have secured a significant new commitment to the region, which includes production of prime-time shows and relocation of BBC departments. 

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“The announcement of this iconic international brand coming to the West Midlands is a real vote of confidence, and the first major step of this new renewed commitment to the region by the BBC. 

“It is also a real statement of intent by the West Midlands as we begin to turbo-charge our creative sector, and one that will help drive opportunities and jobs for local talent.” 

Dan Lee (MasterChef The Professionals Champion 2021) Tim Davie (BBC Director General)Dan Lee (MasterChef The Professionals Champion 2021) Tim Davie (BBC Director General)
Dan Lee (MasterChef The Professionals Champion 2021) Tim Davie (BBC Director General)

How did the West Midlands Grown Company help?

West Midlands Growth Company – the region’s investment promotion agency – played a pivotal role in positioning the region as the new home for the MasterChef series, Neil Rami, Chief Executive, said: “Creativity is the driving force of our region, with screen industries representing a longstanding and growing area of economic and cultural opportunity. 

“The MasterChef series coming to the region not only cements our position as a successful media backdrop, but also as an important culinary destination, with this week also marking the award of an 11th Michelin star restaurant in the West Midlands, Upstairs by Tom Shepherd. 

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“In addition to cementing the region’s influential position in gastronomy, we’re pleased to have played an instrumental role in securing an investment that will shape and level-up on-screen representation.”

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight at the unveiling of a mural by artist AksePeaky Blinders creator Steven Knight at the unveiling of a mural by artist Akse
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight at the unveiling of a mural by artist Akse

Where is Digbeth Loc and what else is happening in Digbeth?

Digbeth Loc. Studios complex will be located on Fazeley Street, on Homes England’s Warwick Bar site – a collection of brownfield sites around Digbeth that the Government’s housing and regeneration agency has assembled in recent years to help catalyse the wider regeneration of Digbeth. 

With the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Unboxed Festival, the opening of The Bond: Creative Content Hub for the West Midlands, the Creative Cities Convention in April and so much more going on, there is a lot to be excited about! 

Mike Palin, Interim Executive Director, Markets, Partners & Places at Homes England commented, “The regeneration of Warwick Bar will have a transformational impact on central Birmingham and the wider economy.

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“Not only will it create jobs in the area, it will stimulate the development of a creative hub for the city, delivering on Birmingham City Council’s aspirations and the Levelling Up agenda.

“The relocation of such a major production operation from London to the city is just the first example of that.”

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