Birmingham University submits plans for £175m expansion

THE University of Birmingham has submitted plans for the £175m expansion of its Edgbaston campus.

The plans, which will be funded by the university and alumni donations, involve building a new library, a sports centre  and a 50m swimming pool as well as extending student accommodation and staff car parking over the next five years.

S&P Architects and Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands are working together to draw up plans to build the scheme on a brownfield site at the south east corner of the site.

Director of estates Ian Barker said: “The university was founded to be an asset for the city and these plans have that aim in mind.

“For that reason, a number of developments, like the proposed new sports centre, swimming pool and the cultural hub, focus on facilities that will benefit the community as well as staff and students.

“We also hope that extending student accommodation and staff car parking on campus will relieve pressure on Selly Oak. Our plans also envisage a reduction in the university’s environmental impact and carbon footprint.”