New BBC MasterChef studios plan in Birmingham approved

The new studios will occupy the former Banana Warehouse on Fazeley Street, Digbeth

Plans for a new studio for hit BBC cooking show MasterChef have been given the go ahead by a council.

Birmingham City Council has confirmed the former Banana Warehouse on Fazeley Street, Digbeth will become the show's new home.

The grade II listed building will be occupied by television production company Shine TV, which produces MasterChef.

The BBC announced last year the show would be relocating from London.

MasterChef has been produced in London since 2001.

Moving MasterChef to Birmingham has been described as a "huge vote of confidence" in the city's creative sector

The upgraded building will house a new sound stage, studios, an outdoor filming area and dressing rooms for contestants.

Plans for the development have received no objections from local MPs, councillors nor residents.

Ian Ward, Birmingham City Council leader, said the move to Birmingham was a vote of confidence for the city's growing creative sector.

"The BBC decision to switch MasterChef production to Birmingham is a huge vote of confidence in our creative sector and planning consent for the new studio in Digbeth is the next important step in this exciting project.

"We look forward to welcoming MasterChef to Digbeth."

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