Homes England selects partner for Birmingham creative quarter

Homes England has selected Digbeth Loc Studios Ltd as its preferred development partner for a new creative and mixed-use neighbourhood at Fazeley Street in Digbeth, Birmingham. The selection remains subject to contract and a standstill period.

The proposed development would form the next phase of Digbeth Loc Studios’ expansion, combining space for creative businesses with new homes. Homes England intends the project to support film and television production while bringing employment opportunities and investment into the area.

The neighbourhood would build on an existing concentration of studios, businesses and cultural venues, including BBC Studioworks, The Bond, The Custard Factory and The Tea Factory. Digbeth Loc Studios founder Steven Knight also identified the BBC’s investment at Typhoo Wharf as part of the context for the proposed expansion.

Homes England is working with Birmingham City Council and the Mayor of the West Midlands on the development. The announcement does not specify the number of homes, the amount of commercial space or a construction timetable.

Jo Nugent, executive director for the Midlands at Homes England, said: “Digbeth Loc Studios has already played a pivotal role in the area’s growth as a destination for film and television production. Together, we will seek to create a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood that supports economic growth, delivers new homes and further strengthens Birmingham’s position as a leading creative and cultural centre.”

The development team has previously transformed the Banana Warehouse on the site into the MasterChef studio. According to Homes England, the team’s experience also includes the redevelopment of Television Centre and the Truman Brewery in London.

Knight said the Fazeley Street proposals would build on Digbeth’s creative and industrial heritage, providing opportunities for businesses and local talent alongside the area’s established production activity.

“Our ambition is to create a place where creative businesses can grow and local talent can build a future, strengthening Birmingham’s reputation as a global destination for film and television production,” he said.

Over the coming months, Digbeth Loc Studios will work with Homes England, Birmingham City Council, the Mayor and the West Midlands Combined Authority to progress its plans. The preferred partner appointment establishes the basis for that work, subject to the contractual process being completed.

Councillor Roger Harmer, leader of Birmingham City Council, said the proposal would complement work already taking place to improve Digbeth’s public realm and support its cultural identity. He also highlighted the studios’ existing contribution to the city as a filming destination.

The project’s regeneration approach places creative industries at the centre of a wider neighbourhood. Existing production facilities and businesses provide an economic anchor around which the partners intend to bring forward housing and further commercial activity at Fazeley Street.