Big change is afoot in Digbeth. Steven Knight (alongside the BBC, Production Central WM and many others) has already played a huge role in the neighbourhood’s transformation, but he’s about to oversee an even greater project in the area: one that looks to strengthen Birmingham’s reputation as a national hub for film and TV.
Homes England has selected Digbeth Loc Studios Ltd as its preferred development partner to deliver a major new creative and mixed-use neighbourhood at Fazeley Street. As the next phase in the studios’ expansion, the development will unlock new homes, employment opportunities and investment for the area.
The new neighbourhood will build on the success of established organisations and venues including BBC Studioworks, The Bond, The Custard Factory and The Tea Factory, creating a destination where creative businesses, residents and visitors can live, work, create and collaborate.
“This is an exciting opportunity to build on Digbeth’s unique identity and growing reputation as a centre for creative excellence,” said Jo Nugent, Executive Director, Midlands at Homes England. “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.”
Steven Knight, Founder of Digbeth Loc. Studios, said:
“Fazeley Street is the next stage of Digbeth’s creative story. 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.
“Alongside the BBC’s investment at Typhoo Wharf and the wider community of creative businesses, artists and cultural organisations embedded here, we now have an opportunity to accelerate the development of one of the UK’s most dynamic creative and cultural quarters.
“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.
“Over the coming months, we will be working with Homes England, Birmingham City Council, the Mayor of the West Midlands and the West Midlands Combined Authority to implement our plans. It is a vision which will build on Digbeth’s creative and industrial heritage whilst opening up new opportunities for the city and its people.”
