HealthTech campus progresses as key agreement is reached
Plans for a new HealthTech campus in Solihull are progressing as the University of Warwick, Arden Cross and Muse have reached an agreement to enter into head of terms.
The £3.2bn opportunity at Arden Cross will deliver tens of thousands of jobs and thousands of new homes, shops, offices, and public spaces and will also include an Innovation District, anchored by the new campus.
It aims to create a hub for HealthTech innovation, bringing together the University, NHS, private providers and industry to support emerging start-ups and scale-ups.
The campus will offer benefits to the local community, providing access to medical research and technology.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Arden Cross is a priority growth project for me and the region. It’s pivotal to delivering the business investment and the jobs that we need.
“But we must move faster because complex projects can often take a long time to commence and there is now an urgency for delivery. That’s why I will be working closely with our local councils, investment partners and Government to unlock delivery and attract thousands of new jobs and homes for our local communities.
“Accelerating the development of the HealthTech Campus will create more high-quality employment, build on our competitive advantage, and help improve the lives – and health – of people across the region and beyond.”
Prof. Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor at The University of Warwick, said: “The Arden Cross HealthTech Campus will leverage the competitive advantage of the West Midlands to accelerate innovation in HealthTech, transform healthcare services and improve patient outcomes locally, nationally, and globally.
“The ambition of the Campus is closely aligned with both the UK’s Industrial Strategy and NHS transformation plans. It has the potential to drive significant value for the UK economy and health system.
“As the lead academic partner, The University of Warwick will support the delivery of the Campus and enable collaboration between the NHS, private providers, and industry. We will now be able to accelerate our work, alongside Muse and other partners, deepening our regional leadership and impact.”
Maggie Grogan, Managing Director – Midlands, at Muse said: “Arden Cross is already one of the region’s most exciting regeneration opportunities and takes advantage of the significant public investment already being made in HS2.
“The HealthTech Campus will enhance the opportunity as a location of national and international importance.
“Having entered a Development Agreement with Arden Cross Ltd in December 2024, we can build on our work with the University of Warwick and continue to develop the wider masterplan.”
