It seems like old factory’s make for successful ‘creative hubs’, although I am only basing this on the two examples of The Custard Factory here in Birmingham, and the Tobacco Factory in Bristol.
So how about the Tea Factory?
Typhoo Tea’s premises on Bordesley Street were in use from 1892 to 1978 and now remains largely unoccupied. I believe it is owned by Mohammed Latif (owner of the cash and carry in Digbeth), but have no idea of his intentions, if any. If anyone knows anymore i’d be very interested to hear.
The Custard Factory is obviously a great asset of Digbeth, but the retail element suffers due to lack of footfall. Developing the Tea Factory could provide an enticing link from the city centre to Digbeth, and it stands proud at the end of Fazeley canal which could be an awesome feature.
Photos by Kate Beatty
February 6th, 2009 at 2:09 pm (#)
Look like an amazing building and a real shame if it’s just sitting there empty.
I’d be interested in knowing if there’s anything we can do to assist in it being developed or proposing ideas to the owners.
February 7th, 2009 at 6:30 pm (#)
[...] LinksRoguePlay Theatre Dip into The CustardYouTube – Alex Anden in The Custard FactoryThe Tea Factory?Iland Life show extendedEastside Photos for [...]
February 24th, 2009 at 9:12 pm (#)
Hi Guys
just belatedly come across your post here via Nicky Getgood.
Looks like a great building – do you know what its like inside?
cheers
Rich
Xx
May 15th, 2009 at 12:23 pm (#)
…and how about we get some healthy landlord competition into the area too!
May 15th, 2009 at 12:32 pm (#)
Mr Latif, like the Grays of Custard Factory fame (Bennie and son Lucan) own large sways of Digbeth, unfortunatly a lot of it is being sat on until they can have their projects paid for by ERDF money. There are some real gems in Digbeth and a lot of smaller private developers (and companies) willing and able to make use of them but alas thay cannot. This is holding the development of Digbeth up and has been for the last 12+ years…….greed anyone?