Plans have been approved for the BBC’s new home at the former Typhoo Tea factory in Digbeth, Birmingham.

Developer Stoford, who submitted the application on behalf of the corporation, said receiving planning approval for the new 84,001 sq ft custom-built centre, 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,” he said.

“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.

The Tea Factory will be one of Birmingham's first net zero carbon in construction office buildings and when complete will house several BBC editorial teams including The Archers, BBC Asian Network, BBC Newsbeat, BBC Radio WM and Midlands Today.

The building is on target to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘outstanding’ and an energy performance certificate (EPC) of 'A'.