TV series relocation set to boost Digbeth regeneration

The announcement that popular BBC series MasterChef is relocating to Birmingham is expected to provide a boost to long-standing plans to regenerate the Digbeth area of the city.

Homes England has assembled Warwick Bar – a collection of derelict and brownfield sites around Digbeth – over recent years to help catalyse the wider regeneration of Digbeth.

The agency will look at lease part of this land to Digbeth Loc Limited, who will develop proposals for a mixed-use scheme, starting with a film studio to house the production of MasterChef.

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. 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.

‘This agreement is testament to the importance of partnership working in place-making. We have the expertise, the influence, and the appetite to support and empower local leadership to meet their ambitions and transform derelict urban sites into beautiful communities.’

Paul Kitson, Strategic Director for Place, Prosperity and Sustainability at Birmingham City Council, said the move complemented work already being undertaken via the council’s Our Future City Plan.

He said: ‘Digbeth is a fantastic part of our great city, boldly showcasing everything great about our past, present and future – it really is one of the leading creative quarters, not just in the UK, but internationally.

‘Everyone in the city and wider West Midlands is keen to see institutions like the BBC expand their footprint locally, to ensure their output is truly representative of the communities they serve. We have the skills, the talent and are developing the infrastructure to enable this to happen – and the MasterChef relocation is an endorsement of everything that partners in the city are doing.

‘To enable this announcement, there has been a spirit of co-operation and a genuine shared purpose from partners including the likes of the WMCA and Homes England. We look forward to continuing this close working to make this project and other initiatives a big success for the city, as there is a growing confidence there will be plenty more to come.’

The food sector plays an important role in Birmingham’s economy, with the city housing five Michelin-starred restaurants.

Paul Kitson added that the Council want to use projects like this to develop talent and skills in the city and open doors for local innovation and entrepreneurism.

Photo by Avel Chuklanov