University College Birmingham reveals major investment and expansion plans

University College Birmingham has unveiled plans for 45,000 sq ft of space acquired in the city’s centre, building on more than £180m invested into facilities over the last decade. 

The Grade II listed Baskerville House will become the base of the university’s student support and student employability services and is set to include a library, quiet learning spaces as well as several professional services functions. 

A repurposing of its Link Building at the City Centre Campus will be completed and house the new School of Psychology, Sport and Education, which will open its doors for students in September 2024. The additional teaching and learning facilities will accommodate the growth seen across the university’s course portfolio.

A meetings and events space will also be established as part of the investment, to support local businesses, employers and industry partners in Centenary Square. 

The deal with Hermes Real Estate was the second largest deal completed this quarter, which saw 203,385 sq ft taken in the city centre. 

It builds on £200m of investment made in the last ten years, which more recently includes the £23m redevelopment of the former James Cond printworks to create the Centre for Sustainable Construction. More than 400 construction students have been enrolled on what is already University College Birmingham’s biggest further education department.

A £6m Sixth Form Centre development in the Camden House building is now complete and will welcome the first cohort of Sixth formers in September 2024.

Vice Chancellor and Principal Professor Michael Harkin said: “Despite the freeze on undergraduate tuition fees for over six years and huge economic pressures, we have achieved our development aspirations in a cost effective and secure manner, without the need for external financial investment. 

“Our move to the flagship Baskerville House places the University right at the heart of the City Centre, further strengthening our ability to serve the people of Birmingham, its businesses and employers, as well as providing our students with the outstanding support services they deserve in a world class setting”.