University News Last updated 11 February 2015
Work is set to begin creating accommodation for over 650 of our students in the city centre, completing the transformation of the area into an all-encompassing campus.
The No1 City Locks development at Eastside will see student accommodation and retail facilities integrated with a rejuvenated section of Birmingham’s canal network, providing amenities to support our expanding city centre presence.
The project, developed by specialist student housing company Alumno Developments, is now under way and the city centre accommodation, which will house 659 students, is scheduled to conclude by August 2016. The development forms part of a major regeneration of Birmingham’s Eastside district, located close to the Bullring shopping centre and Birmingham’s key transport hubs. The previously derelict site runs alongside the Digbeth Branch Canal and forms part of the City Council’s Eastside Regeneration project
Our City Centre Campus already includes the Parkside Building, opened in 2013, the Curzon Building, opening this year, and a sizable presence in Millennium Point. Plans have also been submitted for a new Conservatoire, set to open to students and the public in 2017.
Plans for the No1 City Locks development, designed by architects Glenn Howell Architects, includes a ground floor featuring retail space and dedicated business enterprise units, serving student residents and offering affordable office facilities for graduates and the local community.
Our Vice-Chancellor Professor Cliff Allan said: “This project with Alumno Developments is the next stage in the continuing transformation of both our campus and the Eastside of the UK’s second city.
“The experience our students have while at the University is of paramount importance and this No1 City Locks development will offer them city centre living and great amenities right next door to where they study.
“With the new Curzon Building set to open this year and plans advancing for a superb new Conservatoire, this is a thoroughly exciting time to be part of Birmingham City University.”
Alumno’s managing director David Campbell said: “We are creating a vibrant new public realm through the opening up of the largely redundant canal side. This follows Birmingham City Council’s Eastside Locks master plan which focuses on generating further investment in the city. No1 City Locks provides the perfect opportunity to turn a part of that vision into a reality, and we are delighted to be partnering with Birmingham City University to deliver a significant development which supports the University’s growth agenda.”
Dav Bansal, Director at Glenn Howells Architects commented: “Glenn Howells Architects are delighted to be working with Alumno Developments and Birmingham City University on this prominent student housing scheme that will help transform this part of the city through its links with the canal network, much improved public realm and active ground floor uses.”
The main contractor for the project is John Sisk and Son Ltd and DBK Ltd is providing project management, employers agent and CDMC services.
Property consultancy GVA advised the University on the deal, while Mills and Reeve provided legal services.