Property developer Stoford has landed the brief to spearhead the regeneration of a former factory which will be the new home of the BBC in Birmingham. The corporation announced last month that it would be leaving its long-time home of the Mailbox in the city centre to set up a new base in the former Typhoo Tea factory in Digbeth.
Birmingham-based Stoford has now won the contract to lead the multimillion-pound transformation of the factory which will deliver a 84,000 sq ft purpose-built broadcast centre.
The 1920s complex in Bordesley Street, will undergo a partial demolition and regeneration, will house a range of editorial teams including the Asian Network, Newsbeat, Radio WM and Midlands Today. The transaction is said to be the largest office pre-let in the city for the past three years.
Stoford is working with land owner The Gooch Estate, Glenn Howells Architects, planning consultancy Turley and a number of public sector partners with the aim of delivering one of Birmingham's first net zero carbon buildings in construction. The BBC base will also benefit from a new tram stop nearby on the Bull Street to Digbeth extension and is a short walk from the HS2 station Curzon Street.
Stoford director Gerard Ludlow said: "The BBC will be the centrepiece of a transformative development in Digbeth and its 20-year lease commitment will help to drive much-needed further private sector investment in the Digbeth area. Crucially, we will be respecting the history of the site by conserving the distinctive character of the historic building while also creating a landmark modern development fit for a world-leading 21st century broadcaster.
"This is a unique opportunity to take the bones of this former factory and create a truly vibrant building. We're excited to be part of this important new development for Birmingham."
Subject to planning consent, construction work is expected to start on site in early 2023, ready for occupation by the BBC in 2026.
There are also plans to redevelop the wider site surrounding the former factory. Subject of a second planning application, it will see the transformation of more than ten acres of underutilised land to include new public spaces around Typhoo Wharf and the adjoining canal basin.
Stoford plans to deliver up to 800,000 sq ft of new residential, office and hospitality accommodation over the next five to ten years.
Grant Associates is designing the new landscape and urban realm for Typhoo Wharf which will create a new canalside quarter centred on Birmingham's historic canal network, waterfront and warehouse buildings.
A public consultation on both planning applications is now open and runs until September 22. An in-person consultation event is taking place at Tea Works, 15 New Canal Street in Birmingham, on Wednesday September 21. For more details and to feedback on the proposals visit typhoowharfconsultation.co.uk.
