The BBC is to pump millions of pounds more each year in the West Midlands as part of a major expansion plan that director-general Tim Davie said would boost the area's creative sector and create opportunities for local people.

A second memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Create Central on Thursday (September 11).

It means network television production spend by the BBC in the region will go from £24 million to £40 million by the end of 2027.

Previously, the BBC has transferred its regional Midlands HQ to the new Tea Factory site in Digbeth, along with relocating a number of TV productions there.

The MOU also means the WMCA is committed to invested a minimum of £5 million per year in creative industries infrastructure from now until March 2028.

Activities includes establishing a production fund worth £2 million per year in the region, funding a new region wide service called Production Central, investing in intellectual property being developed by creative businesses and developing a Skills Accelerator programme.

As part of the agreement, the BBC has committed to building the mix of scripted output in the region and strengthening unscripted alongside MasterChef, Great British Menu and Garden Rescue.

It will continue to work with the WMCA, ScreenSkills and other partners to invest in skills and talent development.

BBC Studios will set up a new purpose-built production base in Digbeth after leaving the Drama Village, for use by BBC Studios and third-party commissions and programmes.

And BBC Studioworks and Digbeth Loc Studios have joined forces through a new commercial and operational agreement.

BBC Director-General, Tim Davie said: "This is another transformative moment for the creative industries in the West Midlands.

BBC Director General Tim Davie wore a jacket, jeans and a pair of white Adidas Stan Smith shoes to announce the move by MasterChef to Birmingham from 2024
BBC Director General Tim Davie announces the move by MasterChef to Birmingham from 2024

"The MOU will significantly boost investment in skills, opportunity and talent for local people, as well as stories from the region in BBC programmes.

"Our agreement with the WMCA and Create Central deepens our partnership with the West Midlands to secure its place as a world-class centre for film and TV production."

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, said: "The BBC's investment is vital because our TV and creative industries are fast becoming powerhouses of our regional economy.

"Hits like Peaky Blinders put the West Midlands on the world stage and brought our first major studio.

"This partnership means we can provide backing at all levels, priming local people to seize new opportunities, while making it easier than ever for blockbuster productions to film here."

Chair of Create Central, Ed Shedd added:"This next phase of our partnership with the BBC and WMCA is another huge boost for the West Midlands' creative content sector.

"By increasing both the number of productions here, in the region, and building crucial local infrastructure, skills and workforce, we're not only strengthening the industry but also creating real jobs and opportunities for local creative talent.

"Together we will build a thriving production base that supports businesses, embraces emerging technologies and new platforms, attracts ground-breaking projects and ensures the West Midlands is recognised as one of the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ's most exciting places to make content.

Alongside this agreement, the BBC also announced new dramas The Hairdresser Mysteries and Detection Club which will be produced in the West Midlands, with The Hairdresser Mysteries filmed in the region.