Homes England Appoints Preferred Development Partner to Propel Regeneration and Innovation in Central Birmingham

Homes England has announced the selection of Digbeth Loc Studios Ltd as its preferred development partner, pending contract finalisation and a standstill period, to spearhead the creation of a new creative and mixed-use neighbourhood at Fazeley Street in the vibrant heart of Digbeth, Birmingham.

This ambitious project marks a significant advance in the ongoing regeneration of Digbeth, reinforcing Birmingham’s emerging status as a national hub for film, television, and creative production.

The planned neighbourhood aims to build upon the success of existing prominent organisations and venues, such as BBC Studioworks, The Bond, The Custard Factory, and The Tea Factory. It aspires to create a lively destination where creative enterprises, residents, and visitors can coexist, collaborate, and thrive.

Celebrating Digbeth’s Unique Identity

Jo Nugent, Executive Director for the Midlands at Homes England, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This is an exciting opportunity to build on Digbeth’s unique identity and growing reputation as a centre for creative excellence. Working closely with our partners, we want to deliver a place that celebrates the area’s heritage while creating new opportunities for people and businesses to thrive.”

Digbeth Loc Studios has already been instrumental in establishing the area as a destination for film and television production. The collaboration aims to cultivate a dynamic mixed-use neighbourhood that fosters economic growth, delivers new housing, and enhances Birmingham’s standing as a leading centre for creativity and culture.

As part of Digbeth Loc Studios’ next phase of expansion and in partnership with the Mayor of the West Midlands and Birmingham City Council, this development will bolster the growth of the region’s creative industries while unlocking new homes, job opportunities, and investments in the area.

Key Milestones in Creative Development

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, remarked, “This time last year I announced a bold vision for Digbeth – that it would be bigger, better, and bolder than Manchester’s Media City. Today’s announcement by Homes England marks another key milestone in that journey, as Digbeth has emerged over the last 12 months as a nationally significant hub for the creative industries.”

He acknowledged the contributions of notable figures, including Steven Knight and the BBC, in catalysing this transformation. “These are exciting times for Digbeth, and by continuing to invest in our amazing local talent, we can help grow our economy, create new jobs, and position the West Midlands at the forefront of the UK’s creative sector,” he added.

Councillor Roger Harmer, Leader of Birmingham City Council, described the development as “great news and an important milestone in the continued regeneration of Digbeth, one of the most vibrant areas of the city.” He highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance the public realm and support the area’s distinctive cultural identity, noting that Digbeth Loc Studios has already made significant contributions as a major filming destination and creative hub.

Accelerating Creative Potential

Steven Knight, Founder of Digbeth Loc Studios, remarked on Fazeley Street as the next chapter in Digbeth’s creative narrative. “Digbeth is already one of Birmingham’s most vibrant and distinctive neighbourhoods, and we are proud to have played a part in that at Digbeth Loc Studios, home to the new Peaky Blinders franchise,” he stated.

He emphasised the potential for accelerated development within one of the UK’s most dynamic creative and cultural quarters, stating, “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.”

The development team, known for transforming the Banana Warehouse into the MasterChef studio and leading the redevelopment of iconic sites such as Television Centre and the Truman Brewery in London, will work with Homes England, Birmingham City Council, the Mayor of the West Midlands, and the West Midlands Combined Authority to bring their vision to fruition.

A Vision for Creative Regeneration

This project is part of a broader ambition to position Digbeth as a globally recognised destination for the creative sector and a leading model of creative-led regeneration. The forthcoming development is set to enhance the area’s industrial heritage while opening new opportunities for both the city and its residents.