Glenn Howells Architects is working on a masterplan to transform more than 10 acres of underutilised land, in Digbeth, Birmingham, which includes Typhoo Wharf and the historic Typhoo Tea Factory together with the adjoining canal basin. The project team which includes Stoford, Turley, Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Growth Company, is preparing a comprehensive vision around Typhoo Wharf and the wider area, which aims to deliver one of Birmingham’s first net zero buildings in construction. It is the latest signal of an exciting process of city-wide regeneration, building on the Commonwealth Games and HS2 in a 'golden period' for Birmingham, which will see it being transformed into a green and healthy, walkable / cyclable city.
The landscape and urban realm of Typhoo Wharf will create a new canal side quarter centred around the unique historic canal network, waterfront and warehouse buildings. Bringing people closer to nature, a vibrant new public square will open the views towards the former wharfage creating opportunities for water-based activities with cafe terraces overlooking the canal.
GHA’s masterplan will channel the area’s industrial heritage by connecting built infrastructure like the Grand Union Canal, HS2, new public realm, tram network, and retrofitted buildings, to a developing cultural and economic infrastructure that already includes Stephen Knight’s Loc Studios, BBC’s MasterChef studio and Birmingham Midland Academy. Strategically harnessing the potential of Birmingham’s population (the youngest city in Europe, with 40% of its population under 25), the regeneration and announcement of BBC’s move to the area will reintroduce skilled jobs to a changing demographic, connecting local character with city-wide transformation, and the booming economies of city's past, with those of its future. Typhoo Wharf will welcome all BBC teams currently at The Mailbox - including Midlands Today and BBC Radio WM – who will relocate, along with Newsbeat and Asian Network News which move to the city later this year.
Having called Digbeth home for over 30 years, Glenn Howells Architects has been a driving force in this change. Deeply rooted in the area, the practice has and will be crucial in working collaboratively with key stakeholders and the public to ensure that any regeneration aligns coherently both with city-building initiatives such as the Big City Plan and Our Future City Plan (of which it is also a key member) and with local social and environmental contexts. The building, which fronts Bordesley Street, is also on target to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘outstanding’, an energy performance certificate (EPC) of ‘A’, a ‘gold’ WELL Core score, and three-star Fitwel healthy building certification.
A full pre-application public consultation on the scheme will run until Thursday 22 September 2022 and should Birmingham City Council give it the go ahead, construction is expected to start on site in spring 2023, ready for occupation by the BBC in 2026.
A live webinar will be hosted by Turley on Tuesday, September 13 with a physical consultation event taking place at the site at Tea Works, 15 New Canal Street, Birmingham, B5 5QX, on Wednesday, September 21. Members of the public are encouraged to sign up to one or both events by visiting www.typhoowharf.co.uk where they can also find out more information about the project and provide feedback.
Sandeep Shambi, Partner at Glenn Howells Architects, said: “The announcement of BBC’s move to the Typhoo building signifies an important change and reinforces Digbeth as the city’s emerging cultural epicentre. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the process over the past 12 months and are thrilled that the BBC have selected Typhoo and Digbeth as their new home for years to come. The Typhoo Tea Factory will provide the BBC with an unrivalled location within minutes of HS2, flexibility to adapt and grow, and presents an opportunity to create a unique, sustainable workplace whilst reinvigorating a piece of Digbeth’s heritage. The building itself dates back to 1929 and has been derelict for over 40 years. By opting for adaptative reuse over new build, we are bringing it back to life for the next 100 – not only to keep this historical legacy going, but to uphold the low carbon principles we all strive for. Working with the building fabric in this way, is about connecting the context of the past with the city’s aspirations for the future. Typhoo Wharf will be a tribute to that heritage ideal.”
Gerard Ludlow, Director at Stoford, said it was working with the BBC to deliver a building that will be a new benchmark for sustainability in Birmingham. The BBC will be the centerpiece 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.”
