Construction begins on £24m Birmingham student scheme

Andy Bruce (GMI); Jack Carey (GMI); David Campbell (Alumno); Gareth Jones (GMI) and James Abbott (Alumno)
Photo by Stuart Bogg Imaging.

Work has begun on a £24m student development in Birmingham, which is set to host 167 residents.

The project on Dogpool Lane will see the transformation of a former BT brownfield site within the Stirchley community. It will accommodate a growing number of students attending local universities and the city’s dental hospital, taking pressure off private housing in the area.

Funded by Woh Hup, the building will comprise a mix of cluster beds and single occupancy studio rooms, alongside a reception and communal areas.

Building contractor GMI and developer Alumno plan to have the new building completed in time for the 2024 student intake.

The scheme which has been designed by Glenn Howells Architects will also provide an improved retail space for the site’s original Post Office and newsagent outlet, which has been relocated close by during construction.

It will also be car-free, with students prohibited from bringing vehicles to Birmingham through their tenancy agreements.

Alumno managing director David Campbell said: “Our development will improve the local area visually, provide an economic boost to local businesses, and deliver much needed accommodation for Birmingham’s growing student population.

“As with all our developments, we have worked closely with the surrounding community and local authority to ensure the scheme enhances this vibrant area.”

Gareth Jones, GMI’s joint divisional managing director, said: “This is the third project we have undertaken in collaboration with Alumno, having last year completed the Church Inn development in Manchester, as well as working alongside them on the Whitelock Street scheme in Leeds.

“We’re proud to add another project to our growing portfolio in conjunction with Alumno, and it is a development which underlines our versatility in constructing a wide range of builds.”