Overbury Secures £13 Million BBC Fit-Out Contract for Birmingham's Tea Factory

Fit-out specialist Overbury has been awarded a significant £13 million contract to complete the interior works for the BBC’s new creative hub at the landmark Tea Factory redevelopment in Digbeth, Birmingham. This deal marks the final stage of the broadcaster’s relocation from The Mailbox, bringing approximately 650 staff to the heart of the city’s burgeoning media quarter.

Key Takeaways

Overbury has won a £13 million contract for the BBC’s new Digbeth base.
The project involves a nine-month fit-out of the former Tea Factory.
The new facility will house TV and radio studios, edit suites, and collaboration spaces.
The move signifies the BBC’s strategy to decentralise operations and embed itself in creative communities.

The Tea Factory Redevelopment

Developer Stoford and main contractor BAM have been transforming the derelict Tea Factory into a modern shell-and-core office building since early 2024. Practical completion of this base build is scheduled for December 2025. Following this, Overbury will commence a nine-month fit-out, expected to run from December 2025 through to the end of September 2026.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

The four-storey fit-out will create a cutting-edge production and broadcasting environment. Key features include:

One TV studio and gallery
Eight radio studios
Ten edit suites
A dedicated radio drama studio
A lecture theatre
Various apparatus and meeting rooms

The scope of works also encompasses full mechanical and electrical installations, raised access flooring, acoustic finishes, and the supply and installation of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E).

Project Team and Design

The design for the new BBC base has been led by BBC Workplace, with J4 Projects serving as project manager and MGAC as cost consultant. Architectural and interior design have been handled by AWW Architects and IDSR, respectively. CMB is responsible for MEP design, Arup for structural engineering, and Ion Acoustics for specialist sound performance requirements.

Strategic Relocation

Overbury’s appointment follows a competitive tender process, where they emerged victorious over rival bidder Heydon & Carr. The Tea Factory development is set to become a key hub for the BBC’s operations in the Midlands, reflecting the broadcaster’s ongoing strategy to decentralise its operations and strengthen its presence within creative communities across the UK. This move represents a significant milestone in creating a world-class broadcasting environment in Birmingham’s creative district.