Leading developer Stoford, which submitted the application on behalf of the corporation, said receiving planning approval for the new 84,001 sq ft custom-built centre designed by Glenn Howells Architects, to be known as The Tea Factory, was an exciting next step in its plans.

Gerard Ludlow, Director at Stoford, said the Bordesley Street landmark represents the first phase of a wider masterplan for the surrounding area.

“Our hard work over the past couple of years has built up to this and we are excited to be given the go ahead to begin transforming and reusing the building. We’ve been working closely with the BBC to ensure we not only keep the historic legacy of the almost 100-year-old factory but also deliver a pioneering scheme using low carbon principles. We are looking forward to breathing new life into it. The development of the BBC’s new home will also be a catalyst to reinvigorate the wider area. We all recognise the opportunities the creation of The Tea Factory will bring because it will help to attract both private and public sector investment into Digbeth,”.

Sandeep Shambi, Partner at Glenn Howells Architects, said: “The BBC’s move to The Tea Factory is the first piece of the jigsaw in our Typhoo Wharf masterplan and reinforces Digbeth as the city’s emerging cultural epicentre. The building will provide the BBC with an unrivalled location within minutes of HS2, flexibility to adapt and grow, and an opportunity to create a unique, sustainable workplace whilst reinvigorating a piece of Digbeth’s heritage. By opting for adaptive reuse over new build, we are bringing this derelict building back to life for the next 100 years–not only to keep this historical legacy going, but to uphold the low carbon principles we all strive for, and provide a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Digbeth.”

The Glenn Howells Architects design for the adaptive re-use of the building, for Benacre Properties and Stoford, has been carried out in close collaboration with the BBC. Within the proposal, the characterful shell of the former factory building will be retained, while a series of architectural interventions will create a contemporary, purpose-built workplace, reflecting the broadcaster’s working traditions, culture and ethos.

Overall, two thirds of the final building utilise the existing structural frame, slabs and facades of the existing one; a conscious effort to preserve as much as possible. The restored BBC Typhoo building, which fronts Bordesley Street, will be an exemplar sustainable workplace, and positively contribute to the BBC’s target of becoming net zero carbon by 2030. It also aims to deliver one of Birmingham’s first net zero buildings in construction, setting a new sustainability benchmark for the city.

Stuart Thomas, BBC Head of Midlands says: “This is a crucial and exciting step on the road to the BBC moving into The Tea Factory in 2026. Having a new home for the BBC in Birmingham is all part of our commitment to do more in the Midlands, and breathing life into this wonderful factory will help turbo charge the whole of Digbeth into the city’s creative heart.”

Birmingham City Council leader Cllr Ian Ward said: "The new BBC HQ at The Tea Factory represents a huge vote of confidence in Birmingham and our creative sector, so I'm delighted the project has now been granted planning permission. Our vision for Digbeth is to build on established creative businesses, attracting and encouraging new ones, and the BBC move added to the coming of HS2, the Midland Metro extension and the Masterchef move will help us attract further investment. Birmingham is a city of untapped talent and the BBC’s investment will help that talent flourish and grow, as we create new jobs and opportunities for our citizens."

Over the next decade, Stoford plans to deliver up to 800,000 sq ft of new residential, office and hospitality accommodation around the new BBC building. The wider scheme will see more than 10 acres of underutilised land around Typhoo Wharf and the adjoining canal basin transformed into a new mixed-use neighbourhood characterised by attractive public spaces and open thoroughfares. 

For more information about Typhoo Wharf, visit: www.typhoowharf.co.uk