A family dispute has broken out after Custard Factory founder Bennie Gray was accused by his son of terminating a contract without notice.

Bennie, who sold the giant Digbeth venue to son Lucan last year, prompted an angry response from his offspring who claimed he had scrapped a ten-year agreement.

The Custard Factory founder retained ownership of the Zellig development and the adjacent car park following the deal last year, with an understanding that his son's venture would manage them.

However, Lucan claimed his father had gone back on the agreement and, in a public statement, apologised for the impact on Zellig tenants.

He said: “On Thursday, October 8, 2015, without notice, Bennie terminated that management contract with immediate effect. This means that tenants in Zellig will now deal directly with Bennie and his new staff, and use Zellig reception. Please be aware that Bennie’s team does not work for or represent the Custard Factory.

“For tenants in Zellig the change may cause some annoyance. From a personal perspective I want to say that I am sorry that anyone is inconvenienced by this change. I know most of you are fully engaged with running dynamic and demanding businesses. The change that is being imposed on you is not something that has been sought by me.

“On a positive note, it’s business as usual at the Custard Factory and in the area.”

Custard Factory founder Bennie Gray
Custard Factory founder Bennie Gray

Bennie and Lucan Gray have been the principal players in the renaissance of Digbet over the past two decades.

Former antiques dealer Bennie kicked off the Custard Factory project, around the old Bird’s factory, in 1993.

Lucan has been involved all along, firstly running Fazeley Studios on the giant plot before taking over the main business, home to about 500 creative businesses, last year.

The Post was unable to contact Bennie Gray for comment.