Hundreds of new homes, creative workspace and a central hub for the film and TV industry could all be coming to Birmingham if a new vision is realised.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has today showcased new plans for industrial land in the city's Digbeth district.
It includes the launch of the 'Warwick Bar Prospectus' which sets out a vision for the regeneration of sites covering an area the size of 22 football pitches.
It says the canalside land in Fazeley Street has the potential to deliver at least 1,700 new homes and more than 110,000 sq ft of creative workspaces.
There are also plans for 'Production Central WM' which is a proposed new film office to connect producers with the set locations, local crew and suppliers needed to bring shows and films to the region.
Support for the projects could come from the Government's £25 million Creative Places Growth Fund for the region.
The Warwick Bar Prospectus has been drawn up by the site's owner, Homes England, in partnership with Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Combined Authority and West Midlands Growth Company.
Homes England is aiming to commence marketing of phase one next month.
Mayor Parker unveiled the plans as part of the Regional Investment Summit taking place today in Birmingham and accompanied Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy on a tour of Digbeth.
The prospectus was also presented to global investors, developers and film and TV makers during the government event.
Any further investment would add to an already growing quarter for the creative industries which out of London and the opening of Digbeth Loc. Studios, the brainchild of Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
Located in the Warwick Bar site, it has been used for a Netflix movie version of the hit Birmingham-based crime drama and
Meanwhile, BBC Midlands is planning to leave its long-time home of the Mailbox and move to a brand new base in the former Typhoo factory in Bordesley Street.
Mayor Parker said: "Digbeth will be bigger, better and bolder than Manchester's Media City. Its central location and abundance of investment opportunities make it unique.
"A place known for its grit and graft, it is at the cusp of its renaissance as a top location for the creative industries.
"The BBC and Steven Knight are just some of the partners who are investing heavily in Digbeth's future because they know that this place, at the heart of the country, has the backing of industry and government and a wealth of local talent to work with.
"Together, we'll write a new chapter in Digbeth's history that puts our region centre stage for the creative industries."
Ms Nandy added: "As an MP in Greater Manchester, I have witnessed up close the transformational impact that Media City has had on my region, both economically and culturally. That is why I am so excited about these plans for Digbeth.
"Birmingham and the West Midlands are full of untapped creative potential and this development will enable more creatives from the region to tell their own stories, create world-class content and drive economic growth.
"For too long, our media and creative industries have been overly skewed towards London and the South East. That is why we are backing the West Midlands' creative businesses with £25 million to enable them to thrive."
