The first phase of the public realm at Typhoo Wharf in Digbeth, Birmingham, marks a key milestone in the transformation of the historic former Typhoo Tea factory site.
Grant Associates worked as landscape architects across the wider masterplan for Typhoo Wharf, led by architects Howells, with Stoford as developer, BAM as main contractor, and BDP as delivery architect.
This first phase supports the refurbishment of the Tea Factory as the BBC’s future Midlands headquarters, while establishing the landscape framework for a 10-acre mixed-use neighbourhood that will ultimately deliver up to 800,000 sq ft of residential, workspace and hospitality space.
The core of the proposals is the development of a new canalside district that reconnects the site with the historic waterway previously used by the Typhoo factory. The public space is designed to prioritise pedestrians, connecting HS2 and Curzon Street to the BBC’s entrance, with the landscape serving as the main organising feature of the masterplan.
The initial phase features a network of interconnected streets, alleys, and courtyards that enhance permeability throughout the site and reintegrate it into Digbeth’s broader urban fabric. These pathways link to the canal towpaths, suggested tram routes, and cycle networks, making the area more understandable and accessible within the city.
A new public square serves as a focal point within the development — conceived as a flexible, hardworking space for workers, residents and visitors. The square offers a new viewpoint over the canal wharf and provides public access to the water’s edge. Designed to support everyday use as well as events and pop-up activity, it establishes an early sense of identity and energy on the site.
The material palette draws directly on Digbeth’s industrial character, combining blue clay pavers, granite setts, crushed gravel, corten steel and timber with opportunities for integrated street art. This ‘gritty’ language is balanced by a strong ecological layer, with specimen tree planting, habitat-rich rain gardens, a biodiverse roof and nesting boxes woven throughout the public realm and building.
Water plays an important role in the landscape strategy. Sustainable drainage, rain gardens, and permeable paving across the site enhance biodiversity, improve water quality and reduce flood risk, while bringing people into closer contact with nature.
“This first phase is about setting up a strong and characterful framework for the site. The public realm needs to work from day one — creating a connected and engaging place — while also establishing the structure for a much richer canalside neighbourhood to emerge over time.”
Danny Nagle, Associate Director at Grant Associates
Typhoo Wharf is the first of a series of projects undertaken by Grant Associates in the Digbeth area to be implemented. The practice also designed the Digbeth Public Realm Design vision document, commissioned by Stoford, Oval and Homes England and recently secured Schedule 17 planning approval for the HS2 Birmingham Curzon Street public realm.
The landscape-led approach is central to unlocking this potential — shaping a network of streets and spaces that support new development, while creating a distinctive canalside destination rooted in Digbeth’s heritage and culture.
Future phases will build on this initial framework, extending the public realm and strengthening connections as the wider vision for Birmingham’s most creative canalside community is realised.