Birmingham’s creative heart is on the rise

Working with the West Midlands Combined Authority, Homes England and private developers, Birmingham City Council is supporting major regeneration projects in Digbeth that will create thousands of new homes, creative workspaces, and opportunities for local people. 

The latest release of the new Warwick Bar Prospectus marks out ambitious plans for 1,700 homes and over 110,000 sq ft of workspace with a vision for the regeneration of this part of Digbeth. Warwick Bar benefits from nearly 1km of canal and river frontage, alongside historic bridges and canal warehouses. It provides a unique opportunity to create a landmark public space next to and under the Duddleston Viaduct and linked to the plans for the ‘Sky Park’ - turning the disused 170-old viaduct into an elevated park with walkways, greenery, public art, and play areas. 

Digbeth’s regeneration is also being accelerated by anchor projects such as the BBC’s new “Tea Factory” and Steven Knight’s Loc. Studios, which are drawing major film and TV productions to the city and creating a growing screen-industries cluster in the heart of Birmingham. A new film production office, Production Central WM, has been launched to connect producers with the set locations, local crew and suppliers needed to bring more big and small screen blockbusters to the city and region. 

Digbeth will also benefit from improved connectivity, with HS2’s Curzon Street Station under construction and close to the area  and the Metro extension will connect to Digbeth High Street.  

The ambition is for inclusive growth, where people and places across the city benefit from the opportunities. It means putting in place the skills and employment programmes to assist residents into the jobs and supporting local business to benefit from expanded growth opportunities.

As Digbeth evolves, it is about balancing heritage and history with renewal and innovation, celebrating its industrial roots while forging a modern, vibrant neighbourhood that represents Birmingham’s future.