Fazeley Street, Birmingham, B5 5SE
The Project
DCL was selected by BAM to convert the historic Banana Warehouse building in Digbeth into a state of the art studio that will host the world’s largest cooking format, MasterChef. The ambitious plans are bring 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.
DCL helped 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 included a new modern extension that will reflect the original design of the historic warehouse, used for shipping in the 1800’s.
DCL completed the works in October 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 it’s 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 are pleased to have got the first spade in the ground and get work underway to restore a listed jewel in Digbeth to it’s 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.
Scope of Works
SFS package
EPDM
Access panels
Partitions
Ceilings
Plastering