Grant Associates delivers first phase of public realm at Typhoo Wharf, Birmingham

Grant Associates has completed the first phase of public realm at Typhoo Wharf in Digbeth, Birmingham, marking a key milestone in the transformation of the historic former Typhoo Tea factory site.

The practice worked as landscape architect 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.

At the heart of the proposals is the creation of a new canalside quarter, reconnecting the site with the historic waterway that once served the Typhoo factory. The public realm is designed as a pedestrian-focused environment, linking HS2 and Curzon Street to the front door of the BBC and positioning landscape as the primary structuring element of the masterplan.

The initial phase introduces a series of interconnected streets, alleys and courtyards that improve permeability across the site and stitch it back into Digbeth’s wider urban fabric. These routes connect to the canal towpaths, proposed tram links and cycle networks, creating a more legible and accessible piece of city.

A new public square forms a focal point within the development — conceived as a flexible, hard-working space for workers, residents and visitors. The square creates a new viewpoint over the canal wharf and allows 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.

Danny Nagle, Associate Director at Grant Associates, said:

"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.”

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.

At the heart of these projects is The Tea Factory which occupies a key gateway site linking Digbeth with HS2 Birmingham Curzon Street and Birmingham city centre, and is identified as a major catalyst for regeneration within the area.

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.

Ends

Editors notes

About Grant Associates Grant Associates is a pioneering international landscape architecture practice, whose work reconnects people with nature in insightful, delightful and distinctive ways whilst addressing the global challenges of urbanisation, the climate crisis and biodiversity extinction. Grant Associates’ design process is underpinned by a knowledge of human behaviour, nature and ecological science combined with innovative design technology. The practice combines original thinking, creative collaboration and regenerative design to breathe new life into our cities and landscapes.