Construction commences at new MasterChef studios in Birmingham

• Construction work has started on site in Birmingham’s Digbeth district on MasterChef’s new studio
• Digbeth Loc. Studios marks the first step in the wider vision to transform the Warwick Bar area into a new creative quarter for the city
• BBC series MasterChef will be made at the brand-new Digbeth Loc. Studios complex

(Press release Stanhope:) Birmingham, 5 December 2023 - Today 5 December 2023, construction work commences to convert the historic Banana Warehouse building in Digbeth into a state-of-the-art studio, which will play host to the world’s biggest cooking format, MasterChef.

The ambitious plans are being brought forward by development company Digbeth Loc Limited, owned by Brydell Partners. Leading UK property developer Stanhope is acting as development manager and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight will be the asset manager. BAM is the lead contractor carrying out the works on land at Fazeley Street owned by Homes England.

Under the plans, Digbeth Loc. Limited will convert the abandoned Grade II listed warehouse at Fazeley Street by the Grand Union Canal into a studio and filming area. The sensitive designs by Digbeth-based architecture practice BG Projects include a new modern extension which will reflect the original design of the historic warehouse, used for shipping in the 1800s.

The film studio is the first step in a wider masterplan which will see the regeneration of the 20-acre Warwick Bar site into a thriving creative quarter including over 900 new homes. The studios are set to support 750 local jobs and are hoped will act as a catalyst for further regeneration in the area. The creation of the new Digbeth film studio comes as the BBC moves forward with plans to move their Birmingham HQ to Digbeth in a purpose-built broadcast centre which will be known as The Tea Factory.

Construction is set to complete in autumn 2024 and the BBC and MasterChef producer Shine TV (part of Banijay UK) will commence filming at Digbeth Loc Studios. The ambition is for all MasterChef series to be filmed in Digbeth for the foreseeable future. Moving the MasterChef brand and its four titles to Birmingham is part of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy, getting closer to audiences to better reflect, represent and serve all parts of the UK.

Peter Denton at Homes England said: ‘The restoration of the Banana Warehouse secures an exciting future for a building that is a key historical asset. We are very pleased that this work will bring a major TV production to the heart of the West Midlands, creating unparalleled new opportunities, jobs and investment. It is a transformational achievement, and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners to realise the opportunities that Digbeth has to offer.’

Steven Knight said: ‘To be digging ground in Digbeth for the new home of MasterChef is the realisation of a long held dream that world class TV and film production will come and thrive in Birmingham. Since the move was first announced, Digbeth Loc. Studios have secured some phenomenal franchises and with the new BBC HQ on our doorstep we can confidently say Digbeth is the new big everything for content production.’

Alistair Shaw, Development Director at Stanhope, said: ‘We pleased to have got the first spade in the ground and get work underway to restore a listed jewel in Digbeth to its former glory. The refurbishment of the old Banana Warehouse is an important first piece in a bigger mission to sensitively transform the Warwick Bar area and to develop a new creative quarter on the canal side. Not only will the new studio play host to the distinguished MasterChef brand, but it will kickstart a wave of jobs and investment in this growing sector, which will benefit the city.’

Birmingham City Council leader Cllr John Cotton said: ‘We can't wait to welcome MasterChef production to Birmingham and the BBC decision to move such a high-profile programme to Digbeth is a massive vote of confidence in our burgeoning creative sector. With MasterChef, the new BBC HQ, and the recent opening of Steven Knight’s Digbeth Loc. Studios, Birmingham is really making its mark.’

About Brydell Partners

Brydell Partners is a niche, vertically integrated, UK real estate investment firm with over £500m of equity under management. The company invests its own capital, alongside discretionary funds raised from global University endowments and family offices with a long-term outlook.

Brydell are proactive investors and their current portfolio includes labs, student accommodation, retirement living, offices within innovation clusters, single-family homes and logistics. The business has the flexibility to invest via debt or equity in direct investments, developments or asset-backed operating businesses.

Digbeth Loc Limited sits in Brydell Partners Series 3, a £267m discretionary fund raised in 2022.

About Stanhope

Stanhope PLC is a property developer and asset manager based in London. Stanhope is a trusted partner that seeks to leave a positive legacy of sustainable buildings and urban places valued by its communities.

The company is known for the quality of its research and for driving excellent design and innovation within its projects. Stanhope has over 35 years’ experience working in partnership with communities, landowners, investors and occupiers to deliver a range of complex projects, from high-profile cultural institutions to specialist projects in life sciences and government, with a total value in excess of £40bn.

About BG Projects

BG Projects are an award-winning practice, based on the Digbeth Loc site at Warwick Bar, specialising in complex brownfield regeneration, including the imaginative re-purposing of heritage assets to create places of special interest. They were recently announced as the winner of the Insider West Midlands Property Awards, Architects Practice of the Year and have previously won a number of high-profile accolades for their work, including the prestigious RICS / Channel 4’s Great British Buildings, Restoration of the Year.

Warwick Bar

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 Banana Warehouse is one of several listed buildings located in the area.

Professional team: 

• Development Manager: Stanhope PLC
• Main Contractor: BAM
• Project Manager/Employers Agent: Cadence Projects
• Cost Manager: Core Five
• Lead Designer/Architect: BG Projects
• Civil & Structural, Mechanical & Electrical, Acoustician: Ramboll
• Planning Consultant: Avison Young
• Heritage Consultant: Asset Heritage
• Approved Inspector: Clarke Banks
• Fire: Hydrock
• Principal Designer: CDM Services
• Landscape Architect: Robert Myers Associates