Work has commenced on transforming the former site of the Typhoo Tea Factory in Birmingham, England, UK, to the British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) new Midlands base.
The start of construction follows the sale of the site by real estate services company Savills, on behalf of the Gooch Estate.
mfg Solicitors, led by Beth Margetson, provided legal counsel for the deal.
Savills managed the transaction with additional advice from its investment, office agency, economics, building, and project consultancy divisions.
In March last year, Birmingham City Council planners gave their approval for this development.
BAM Construction has been appointed as the lead contractor for the scheme, which is being primarily financed by Aviva Investors alongside a grant from Birmingham City Council.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataStoford, a Birmingham-based developer, is leading the refurbishment project, creating approximately 84,000ft² of Grade A office space.
Savills Midlands Development team associate director Emma Prowse said: “Situated in the city’s ‘Creative Quarter’ immediately to the south of the new HS2 [High Speed Two] terminal, (which is under construction) the site will benefit from exceptional connectivity.
“Grand Central (New Street) and Moor Street train stations, the city’s prime bus station and road infrastructure (A38 Aston Expressway and A41) are all in close proximity. The regeneration will deliver outstanding sustainability and environmental credentials as well as a state-of-the-art production facility that will provide a fantastic new home for the BBC in the Midlands.”
The BBC’s radio, TV, and news teams will relocate from their current Mailbox complex to the canalside building in Digbeth, which dates back to the 1930s.
The broadcasting company’s teams such as Asian Network, Newsbeat, Radio West Midlands, The Archers, and Midlands Today will also be based there.
This regeneration project aims to preserve the factory’s original character while incorporating new construction and substantial refurbishment processes.
The development is being designed to achieve sustainability and environmental standards, targeting Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology ‘Outstanding’ and Energy Performance Certificate ‘A’ ratings.
The new broadcasting hub, namely The Tea Factory, is scheduled to open for the BBC in 2026.
