The BBC has cancelled plans to build a new bespoke studio for The Archers in Birmingham amid its cost-cutting measures.

The long-running radio drama could be recorded outside the city for the first time after plans to use a new studio at the BBC’s Tea Factory in Digbeth, Birmingham, were shelved.

The corporation is instead considering existing studios around the UK and other options in the West Midlands.

The BBC said in a statement: “We recognise and value The Archers’ longstanding relationship with the West Midlands, which remains an important part of the programme’s future, and The Archers production team will remain in their current home in the Mailbox and move, as planned, to the Tea Factory in Digbeth in early 2028.

“However, after careful consideration, as part of the BBC’s wider drive to reduce costs, we are no longer building a new recording studio for The Archers in the Tea Factory.

“We’re currently assessing the BBC’s existing studio facilities around the UK as well as other external studio options in the West Midlands to find a more cost-effective solution which will deliver significant savings whilst also maintaining The Archers’ high production standards.”

Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union, has opposed the decision, calling it a “hollowing out of BBC facilities in the West Midlands”.

Paul W Fleming, Equity general secretary, said: “This outrageous move by the BBC would be a further hollowing out of BBC facilities in the West Midlands, which is already reeling from the loss of Doctors with no serious scripted work planned for production.

“The Archers is THE iconic radio drama, and it being recorded, and produced in the region where the story and characters are based is integral to the show.

“Equity cast members are up in arms at this short-sighted proposal which will disrupt the programme and leave the West Midlands, and the BBC, poorer.

“The union is not a bystander in this bad decision for artists and audiences. If dialogue cannot produce a satisfactory outcome, all industrial tools remain on the table.

“Axing the audio drama studio from the Tea Factory BBC site is a material downgrading of BBC infrastructure in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

“It follows the closure of TV drama Doctors in 2024, another show that was filmed in the West Midlands and provided valuable work for Equity members and was an entry point for many actors to scripted productions.

“The Archers must stay in Birmingham, the Tea Factory must include an audio drama studio, as promised, and the BBC must stop cutting scripted drama and opportunities for our performers and creatives.

“Equity will be working with local policymakers to ensure the BBC is held accountable – with a Labour government demanding devolution and growth in every postcode, this decision is unfathomable.

“Eddie Grundy’s schemes have more integrity than these proposals.”

Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker said he was “very disappointed” by the news that The Archers could move production out of Birmingham.

He said in a statement on Facebook: “The Archers was born in Birmingham and is a key part of our broadcasting heritage.

“I’m very disappointed by news that the BBC plans to move its production out of the city.

“The BBC has made clear commitments to growing its presence in the West Midlands – especially with the move to the Tea Factory. So, moving one of its most established programmes out of the region sends the wrong message.

“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.

“I’m meeting the BBC’s director-general, Matt Brittin, this week.

“I want to understand the reasons behind this decision and discuss every available option to keep The Archers here.

“The BBC promised to invest and support our regions, this is entirely the opposite of that. And it can’t be allowed to happen.”

The Archers has aired on BBC radio since 1951 and has clocked up more than 20,000 episodes – more than any other continuous drama serial in the world.

It reaches millions of devoted fans who tune in to hear the ups and downs experienced by the residents of the fictional village of Ambridge.

The BBC announced plans in June for savings across the news, nations and content divisions – which are set to deliver £160 million of £500 million in savings needed by 2028/29.

Around 2,000 jobs are expected to be cut as part of the process.

The BBC’s latest annual report detailed how the corporation’s financial outlook “deteriorated” in the second half of 2025.