University swoops for flagship council building
Aston University has acquired Birmingham City Council’s flagship site as part of a strategic expansion in the Innovation Quarter.
Originally opened by Birmingham City Council in 2011, 10 Woodcock Street was the second-largest purpose-built office building in the city, spanning more than 86,000 sq ft. The building served as the city council’s flagship site, housing over 3,000 staff.
Commissioners at the effectively bankrupt council have said £750m of assets must be disposed from its £2.4bn investment property portfolio, to pay back £1.255bn in Exceptional Financial Support (EFS).
Key schools and initiatives at Aston University will be housed at the site, including the globally recognised Aston Business School, Aston Law School, Aston Vision Sciences and the new state-of-the-art Aston Integrated Healthcare Hub.
The new Aston Integrated Healthcare Hub will offer preventative health and wellbeing services and will showcase the latest advancements in digital healthcare technology including a digital centre for remote patient monitoring. The hub will adopt an innovative ‘living lab’ concept by embedding research, training and student placements.
The building will also house the Aston Business Incubator, opening its doors to the most innovative tech businesses in Birmingham and the surrounding region.
Staff and student facilities are set to include a new restaurant and several social spaces for engagement and meetings, self-study and digitally enabled group work.
Designed by Associated Architects, 10 Woodcock Street has earned numerous awards, including the National BCO Test of Time Award in 2017, National and Regional BCO Awards in 2013 and the Built in Quality Award in 2012. It also holds a BREEAM Excellent rating.
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, Professor Aleks Subic said: “The purchase of 10 Woodcock Street represents a significant milestone in Aston University’s development.
“This world-class facility will provide a unified home for our internationally renowned Aston Business School, Aston Law School, Vision Sciences and our game changing Integrated Healthcare Hub, while also supporting the next generation of tech entrepreneurs through our Aston Business Incubator.
“This move aligns with our vision to drive innovation, support business growth and deliver impactful research and education that transform lives and drive inclusive growth.”
Birmingham City Council has been contacted for comment, with no immediate response received.
