Plans have been lodged to create the new TV studios which will house hit BBC show MasterChef when it relocates to Birmingham.
The channel announced in February that it was proposing to move all formats of the show - for amateur, professional and celebrity chefs, young MasterChef and Christmas specials - to a brand new space in the city's Digbeth district.
Plans have now been submitted to Birmingham City Council which showcase how the former 'Banana Warehouse' building, which dates back to the 1840s, could look if it receives the backing of planning chiefs to be transformed into new studios.
The grade II listed warehouse, at the Warwick Bar site next to the Grand Union Canal, would be renovated and extended to create the new facility which would have a sound stage, smaller studios, pre- and post-filming areas, offices, storage, outdoor filming area and car parking.
It is hoped that production will be able to commence in 2024 with Shine TV, which makes MasterChef, agreeing a six-year deal.
London-based 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.
A report by Avison Young said the Warwick Bar area of Digbeth was once at the heart of one of Birmingham's historic manufacturing areas and was shaped by the canals which facilitated the rapid growth of that quarter in the 1800s.
Many historic buildings survive in the area each with their own unique industrial heritage, it said, but large parts of Warwick Bar remain undeveloped and derelict.
"The council and other regeneration agencies have long since sought to secure the redevelopment and regeneration of the area, not least to capitalise on its highly sustainable location and distinctive cityscape," the report said.
"Numerous masterplans have been prepared and the Warwick Bar site features in many of the council's publications which seek to guide development in the future. Banana Warehouse has not been used for many years and has fallen into a state of general disrepair.
"Nevertheless, its structure remains sound and it retains many of the original features which reflect its previous use as a warehouse receiving goods from the adjoining canal.
"There is a strong redevelopment agenda around the Warwick Bar area and Banana Warehouse in particular. BBC and Shine wish to redistribute TV production from the South East to other parts of the UK, including the Midlands.
"The relocation of MasterChef to central Birmingham aligns with, and would help to facilitate, the broad objective to bring television, film production and creative arts and media businesses to the area.
"Birmingham is currently experiencing a renaissance in creative industries brought about by the success of television shows made in the region."
This first project forms part of a wider regeneration in the area to create Digbeth Loc. studios which is being spearheaded by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
The application site at 122 Fazeley Street is owned by government department Homes England which earlier this year signed a memorandum of understanding with Digbeth Loc.
Mr Knight has previously switched his focus to the city centre after originally planning to open new production studios at the NEC in Solihull. Alongside MasterChef, the new studios are expected to be used to film a planned Peaky Blinders movie.
