Battery Park scheme could create 7,000 jobs

PLANS for a life sciences campus on the former Birmingham Battery Park site in Selly Oak have taken a significant step forward following the acquisition of the site being green-lighted by the city council.

It has been suggested that the campus could create 7,000 jobs – 2,400 on the site and up to 5,000 more indirectly.

The campus will be a key part of the new Life Sciences Economic Zone in Edgbaston. It would also be a component of a major 12-hectare regeneration site being developed by the Harvest Partnership, which is made up of developers Land Securities and Sainsbury’s.

The city council is working with Harvest Partnership to develop the four hectare site near the University of Birmingham and QE Hospital. Harvest’s proposals include a new Sainsbury’s store, other shops, a petrol station and student accommodation.

It is expected the campus, which will take up approximately one third of the former Battery Park site, will attract both new and existing companies in the life and health sciences area.

Cllr Ian Ward, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Birmingham has a growing reputation as a leading international centre for life sciences and this latest development is part of the wider commitment of this administration to secure and develop a Life Sciences Economic Zone.

“We want to see a thriving and globally competitive life sciences sector, building on our current provision, including the world class clinical practice, research and trials to be found at the university and hospital.

“It is expected that the campus will provide up to 2,400 jobs on site and generate a turnover of up to £243m, in addition to bringing back to life a site that has been left vacant for decades.”

Neil Carron, Land Securities project director, added: “This is an important step towards cleaning up and regenerating a site that has remained derelict for years.”