University of Birmingham to launch training site at major health campus
The University of Birmingham is set to develop a ‘best-in-class’ training facility at Birmingham Health Innovation Campus (BHIC), after signing a deal for more than 50,000 sq ft of life science space.
Its agreement with Bruntwood SciTech – a joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General, and Greater Manchester Pension Fund, will create the Birmingham Centre for Anatomy, Surgical and Clinical Skills (B-CASCS), and will join the Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA) in the flagship first building.
Designed to provide immersive, real-world training, the Centre will feature simulated hospital wards, consulting rooms, and a surgical theatre, all equipped with green screens, microphones, cameras, and high-end audiovisual technology. The Centre will also offer high-fidelity training spaces, including both cadaveric and simulated environments for surgical education.
BHIC, spanning 657,000 sq ft upon full completion, will integrate leading-edge research with commercial opportunities, fostering a dynamic hub for startups, SMEs, and established enterprises in medtech, precision medicine, and digital healthcare. As the West Midlands’ first dedicated life sciences hub and a government-designated Life Science Opportunity Zone (LSOZ), BHIC will drive healthcare innovation while providing additional clinical and incubation space for the University.
No.1 BHIC is scheduled to open in the coming months, with the Birmingham Centre for Anatomy, Surgical and Clinical Skills welcoming its first cohort of students in September 2026.
The campus is set to be EPC A rated, net zero carbon in operation across all communal spaces, and is targeting BREEAM Excellent rating upon completion.
Dr Kath Mackay, Chief Scientific Officer for Bruntwood SciTech, said: “We are delighted to welcome the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Anatomy, Surgical and Clinical Skills to BHIC, reinforcing our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the life sciences sector in the West Midlands. The Centre represents a transformative opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals, providing students and postgraduate clinicians with unparalleled hands-on experience in a simulated environment, and opportunities for co-located companies to access the UK’s brightest healthcare minds.
“This facility fosters a dynamic community where students and businesses can collaborate and drive impactful healthcare innovations. Through partnerships with clinical startups, academic leaders, and established enterprises, our ecosystem at BHIC will translate scientific breakthroughs into tangible healthcare solutions. It serves not only as a hub for research and development but also as a catalyst where innovation can flourish and shape the future of healthcare.”
Professor Neil Hanley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor & Head of the College of Medicine and Health at the University of Birmingham said: “By establishing our Birmingham Centre for Anatomy, Surgical and Clinical Skills at BHIC, we are providing the next generation of healthcare professionals with access to essential cutting-edge facilities. These state-of-the-art resources will enable students and postgraduate trainees to engage in practical learning experiences that mirror real-world healthcare environments.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Bruntwood SciTech, as this partnership will drive innovation and deliver impactful healthcare solutions within Birmingham’s leading life science ecosystem. Together, we are creating a dynamic environment that fosters academic and clinical excellence, benefiting not only our students but also the wider community and healthcare industry.”
Bruntwood SciTech was advised by Track Real Estate, CBRE and Savills.
