BBC Birmingham to relocate from The Mailbox to Digbeth - here’s why

All of the teams currently based at The Mailbox, including BBC Radio WM, BBC Midlands Today, BBC Newsbeat and BBC Asian Network will move to the new location in Digbeth
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The BBC will relocate its Birmingham base to Digbeth from the current offices in The Mailbox, it has been revealed.

All of the teams currently based at The Mailbox - including BBC Radio WM, BBC Midlands Today, BBC Newsbeat and BBC Asian Network - will move to the new location at the old Typhoo Tea Factory by 2026.

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The Beeb previously announced that Digbeth will become the future home to MasterChef. The flagship food and entertainment show will be located at Digbeth Loc studios, which will be adjacent to the BBC’s new home.

BBC MailboxBBC Mailbox
BBC Mailbox

Announcing the move, the BBC said that more programmes have been commissioned in the region, including Two Tone from the creator of Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight, and Phoenix Rise for BBC Children’s.

Earlier this year the BBC announced that all four MasterChef titles are moving to Birmingham. An Apprentice Hub opened last month helping more people to work in the sector, and Newsbeat and the Asian Network move to the city in the autumn.

In addition, the BBC is broadcasting over 200 hours of live sport from the city throughout the Commonwealth Games supported by additional content across BBC TV, Radio and Online.

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The announcement of the BBC’s preferred development site - which has been approved by the BBC Executive and BBC Board - is subject to concluding legal agreements over the coming months.

Mailbox, BirminghamMailbox, Birmingham
Mailbox, Birmingham

What has the West Midlands Mayor said about the BBC moving from the Mailbox to Digbeth?

Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands, said BBC will be turning the old Typhoo Factory into their greenest facility ever making it a “catalyst for Digbeth’s regeneration, and a magnet for creative talent.”

“I am incredibly excited that the BBC is starting a new chapter in the West Midlands with this major investment to create their greenest and most modern facility ever - right here in the heart of our region,” he added.

An artist’s impression of the new BBC Midlands site in Digbeth (Oxford Street approach) An artist’s impression of the new BBC Midlands site in Digbeth (Oxford Street approach)
An artist’s impression of the new BBC Midlands site in Digbeth (Oxford Street approach)

What has the BBC Director-General said about the move in Birmingham?

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said this is a crucial step in BBC’s Across The UK plan.

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“This is another important day for the region. We said we would do more in the Midlands and we’re delivering. The new broadcast centre in Digbeth will give our teams the best facilities and technology to serve audiences for decades to come.

“Moving our Birmingham headquarters to Digbeth is going to help build the creative success of the region - drawing new investment and production to the Midlands - and sits at the heart of the BBC’s Across The UK plans to deliver significant increases in editorial spend and decision-making outside London.

“This decision is one of a number of exciting announcements which strengthen our commitment to the region, including the relocation of programmes like MasterChef and Newsbeat,” he added.

Stuart Thomas, Head of BBC Midlands, says: “This is the perfect home for the BBC in the Midlands, a building steeped in history now waiting to come back to life in one of the most up and coming, creative districts in the country.

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“The reimagined former Typhoo Factory will be far more visible for our audience, in a greener, more accessible and more flexible space. We can’t wait to take up residence there, continuing to build on what we do best making the news and programmes in the Midlands that we all really care about.”

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