23 Feb 2021

Creative Quarter set to house new multi-media production base

digbeth-creative-content-hub(889866)

A new, world class Creative Content Hub is set to be based at The Bond in the city 's historic Creative Quarter of Digbeth.

The development will see the creation of a 50,000 sq ft campus facility for independent TV production and creative content developers.

The £18m facility has had an investment of £3m approved from Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) which will enable the project to go ahead, subject to planning permission. The site is being developed by Oval Real Estate and Oval Developments (Oval).

Anita Bhalla, GBSLEP board director for Creative and Culture, said: “GBSLEP 's investment of £3m reflects our commitment to the creative industries which we see as a priority sector that stimulates inclusive economic growth and a catalyst for job creation.

“The Creative Content Hub will be an exciting addition to the media landscape and at the heart of innovative production in the region. It 's also an exciting step towards creating a TV, film and multimedia cluster in the heart of Birmingham 's Creative Quarter, in Digbeth.

“As a LEP we work with our public, private and academic partners to identify opportunities of growth in our region and the Creative Content Hub is an example of how we have come together to create a cohesive offering for businesses in the creative industries. Crucially, GBSLEP 's investment means the funding gap for this project has been filled and it can now be moved to the next stage of development. ' '

The Creative Content Hub is an example of a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors to unlock the historic site in Digbeth. Working in partnership, Create Central, GBSLEP, West Midlands Growth Company and Oval have responded to the needs of creative businesses to move the project forwards.

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “It is incredibly exciting that thanks to some brilliant collaborative working we have managed to get this world class Creative Content Hub off the ground.

“The West Midlands has some of the most creative talent in the world, but in the past we have been notoriously poor at nurturing and retaining it.

“That is one of the reasons I was so keen to get Create Central established, and this new hub will go a long way to both addressing that and re-establishing the West Midlands as one of the country 's premier film and TV destinations. ”

A planning application has been submitted for five existing and derelict heritage buildings on the Fazeley Street site to be transformed into a space for the region 's diverse talent. Creative workers will be able to come together in the flexible space to lead the way in media innovation by sharing technological solutions, exploring new platforms and applications. In addition, broadcasters will be able to work alongside producers.

The development is the first step towards creating a cluster of film, TV, games and virtual production that will pave the way for new and immersive media content of the future.

Pictured: The site of the new Creative Content Hub