New report outlines major economic, cultural and social benefits for the West Midlands region

A new report has championed plans to create a centre for new musical theatre in Birmingham.

The proposed centre would be the first of its kind in the country: incorporating musical theatre learning, development, production and performance, supporting the full lifecycle of education, training and employment in the sector.

Situated at the heart of the proposed Central Cultural Growth Zone in the Southside and Smithfield areas of the city, it will include new world class performance spaces, state of the art rehearsal facilities, and an education campus.

This is part of a partnership between Arts Council England, Birmingham City Council, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust and the West Midlands Combined Authority, to use musical theatre as a catalyst for economic growth in the region. It will have a national impact too, helping to secure the UK’s global leadership in musical theatre for generations to come.

The report, published this week, shows a wealth of employment, audience and growth opportunities, with a total of £464.2 million in present value benefits over 30 years. It would provide a boost for the nighttime economy, with 339,300 additional visitors per year, and engage 6,000+ young people per year in Musical Theatre related activities.

Jon Gilchrist, Artistic Director & CEO of Birmingham Hippodrome, said: “The Creative Industries remain one of the UK’s great economic strengths, and the catalyst for a range of new careers. We are proud that Birmingham and the West Midlands has had the ambition to coalesce economic growth around the multi-billion-pound international industry that is musical theatre. We welcome this opportunity and look forward to working with partners to make this a reality, and to amplifying the incredible creative talent of this region.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The bid to become the nation’s home of musical theatre is really gaining momentum. We have the pipeline of talent and now the business case to back it. There are 40,000 local people already working in the region’s creative sector, which contributes more than £3 billion a year to our local economy. That’s really exciting, but I know there’s more to come. A national centre of excellence will give performers, writers and backstage talent access to top-class facilities, training and opportunities, while creating exciting new jobs. Major investment continues to pour into our TV, film and digital industries, and this national centre would be the next step for a booming sector that is fast building a global reputation.”

Stephen Maddock, Principal of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Birmingham City University, commented: “We have been providing exceptional training to young performers and creatives for more than a century here at Birmingham City University. Since the former Birmingham School of Acting became part of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in 2017, we have expanded opportunities for actors and theatre makers from the region and across the UK. The ambitions set out in this report demonstrate the potential for Birmingham to further strengthen its reputation as a leading destination for creative talent, innovation and opportunity within musical theatre.”

Joanne Roney CBE, Managing Director of Birmingham City Council said: “Birmingham has a proud and distinctive musical heritage, shaped by the rich mix of cultures that make up our city. From grassroots scenes to global stages, music has always been a powerful way for our communities to connect, collaborate and tell their stories. This proposed centre for musical theatre builds on that legacy — creating a space where creativity and diversity come together, and where people from all backgrounds can see themselves reflected in the arts. As part of our wider regeneration ambitions, it will not only drive economic growth and attract visitors and open up new opportunities for young people and celebrate the energy that defines Birmingham.”

Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director, Arts Council England, added: “This is an excellent opportunity for Birmingham and the wider region to build on the already vibrant arts and cultural scene, opening up new possibilities for talented people at each part of their creative life-cycle.

“A centre for musical theatre like this will help more young people see a future for themselves in the arts, while bringing partners together around a shared ambition for skills, opportunity and cultural growth. We’re proud to be part of the conversation about how creativity can help shape a vibrant and inclusive future for the West Midlands.”

The project’s design is shaped around tackling the UK’s growing creative skills gap. Supporting over 230 new skilled jobs, and with plans for hundreds of vocational training places, apprenticeships, and additional students at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire each year, Birmingham’s musical theatre ecology will become one of the most significant talent pipelines in the country.

With a projected Benefit‑Cost Ratio of 3.3, the case for musical theatre infrastructure offers exceptional value for public investment. For Birmingham, it represents a once‑in‑a‑generation chance to lead the UK’s most successful commercial art form, champion new creative talent, and deliver a cultural asset of national and international importance.

The partnership will now build on the findings of this new report, working together to explore the best pathways for delivering all three phases of the proposed centre for musical theatre.

This report was launched on Tuesday 19 May at UKREiiF at an event co-hosted with Lendlease. The reception celebrated the catalytic power of musical theatre in shaping distinctive, resilient and economically successful cities. Guests enjoyed a performance from multi-award winning actor Jeevan Braich, showcasing the region’s bold creative energy.