A new agreement between the BBC, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Create Central is being hailed as a “game-changing” moment for Birmingham’s growing creative hub, with leaders saying Digbeth could soon rival MediaCity in Salford.

The memorandum of understanding will see the BBC’s network television production spend in the West Midlands rise from £24 million to £40m by the end of 2027, alongside a £5m per year investment from the WMCA to support the region’s creative industries.

As part of the deal, the broadcaster will establish a new production base in Digbeth, following its move to the Tea Factory and the relocation of major shows such as Silent Witness and MasterChef to the area.