Major BBC expansion in Midlands
BBC network television production in the Midlands is set to almost double from £24 million to £40 million a year by the end of 2027.
The news follows the signing of a second agreement by the BBC with the West Midlands Combined Authority and Create Central to support creative growth in the region.
Since the signing of the first memorandum of understanding (MOU) with its West Midlands partners, the BBC has committed to relocating its regional Midlands HQ to the new Tea Factory site in Digbeth and has relocxated a number of key TV productions there, including MasterChef.
BBC director-general Tim Davie said: “The MOU will significantly boost investment in skills, opportunity and talent for local people, as well as stories from the region in BBC programmes. Our agreement with the WMCA and Create Central deepens our partnership with the West Midlands to secure its place as a world-class centre for film and TV production.”
Richard Parker (pictured) Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The BBC’s investment is vital because our TV and creative industries are fast becoming powerhouses of our regional economy.
He added: “Hits like Peaky Blinders put the West Midlands on the world stage and brought our first major studio.”
Ed Shedd, chair of Create Central, added: “This next phase of our partnership with the BBC and WMCA is another huge boost for the West Midlands’ creative content sector.
“Together we will build a thriving production base that supports businesses, embraces emerging technologies and new platforms, attracts ground-breaking projects and ensures the West Midlands is recognised as one of the UK’s most exciting places to make content.”
The BBC’s partnership with WMCA and Create Central is a key part of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy to grow creative investment and decision-making across the UK and ensure that the UK’s nations and regions are better reflected and represented across its programmes and services.
The BBC has also announced that two new dramas – The Hairdresser Mysteries and Detection Club will be produced in the West Midlands.
Photo credit: Business-live.co.uk
