Lodders advises Stoford on former Typhoo Tea factory

The Construction and Engineering team at Lodders has advised leading developer Stoford Properties Ltd on the redevelopment of the former Typhoo Tea factory in Digbeth that is set to become the BBC’s new Birmingham headquarters.

The new landmark 84,001 sq ft custom-built broadcast centre located on Bordesley Street is the largest office pre-let in the city of Birmingham in the past three years. When it completes in 2026, the custom-built scheme will house several BBC editorial teams, including The Archers, BBC Asian Network, BBC Newsbeat, BBC Radio WM and Midlands Today.

BAM Construction is the appointed contractor to deliver the scheme, which is majority-funded by Aviva Investors on behalf of its Lime Property Fund, with a grant from Birmingham City Council.

Stoford is committed to retaining the historic legacy of the almost 100-year-old factory but also delivering a pioneering scheme using low carbon principles. The reuse of the original iconic 1930’s building will be the heart of the Typhoo Wharf scheme and is on target to achieve a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC ‘A’ rating.

Heidi Brennan, partner and head of the Construction and Engineering team at Lodders, was instructed to draft, negotiate, and advise on the full suite of construction documentation required for the project, involving a major refurbishment of the partially existing building and new-built aspects. She says: “I have a longstanding relationship with Stoford, serving as the company’s lead construction adviser for more than ten years, and so was delighted to be appointed to deliver this landmark scheme. It is a complex and interesting project that involves preserving as far as possible the 100-year-old former factory whilst creating a modern development fit for a world-leading 21st century broadcaster.

“As a team, we have worked to tight deadlines to draft all the construction documentation associated with the project, attending contractor interviews, and taking a central role in driving forward the negotiation process with all relevant parties. It is a privilege to be involved in this iconic project for Birmingham, which will be the city’s first net zero carbon building under construction, and we look forward to playing a part in the scheme’s continued development.”

Typhoo Wharf Scheme

Over the next decade, Stoford plans to deliver up to 800,000 sq ft of new residential, office and hospitality accommodation around the new BBC building. The wider scheme will see more than ten acres of underutilised land around Typhoo Wharf and the adjoining canal basin transformed into a new mixed-use neighbourhood characterised by attractive public spaces and open thoroughfares.

The scheme will also benefit from a new tram stop and is just a couple of hundred metres from the planned HS2 Curzon Street terminus.

Of Lodders’ support, Stoford director Gerard Ludlow, says: “Lodders’ construction team always do a great job for us, and we knew we could count on them to navigate the complexities of this scheme and get us to site. They are an integral part of our team – always focussed and committed to every project and an all-round pleasure to work with.”

For more information about Typhoo Wharf, visit: www.typhoowharf.co.uk

Construction and engineering

Lodders’ Construction and Engineering team has significant experience in advising developers, funders, contractors, and sub-contractors, and is headed up by construction law expert Heidi Brennan. The team entered the Legal 500 rankings for the first time this year, with Heidi Brennan recognised as a ‘Next Generation Partner’ and associate Kate Woodhall as a key lawyer.