BBC shelves plans for new Archers studio as part of cost-cutting

The BBC has shelved plans to build a new bespoke studio for The Archers in Birmingham as part of its wider drive to cut costs, opening up the possibility it could be recorded outside of the city for the first time.

The BBC had initially pledged to build the show a new studio in the Tea Factory, the corporation's new hub in Digbeth, central Birmingham.

"We recognise and value The Archers' long-standing relationship with the West Midlands, which remains an important part of the programme's future," the statement added.

Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker said he was "very disappointed by news that the BBC plans to move its production out of the city".

"We have the talent and the facilities here. There is no good reason why we should lose a programme that has called Birmingham home for decades."

"The BBC promised to invest and support our regions, this is entirely the opposite of that," he said.

They confirmed that the series' production team is still set to move "as planned" to Digbeth in early 2028, but, "after careful consideration", they would no longer be building a new recording studio in the Tea Factory.

"The impact on the cast will be fully considered as part of our assessment process," the spokesperson said, emphasising that "no final decision has been made".

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