Agreement marks lift off for Knowledge Quarter
Plans to unlock more than £4bn of investment in Birmingham have moved a step closer – after five key organisations signed a formal collaboration agreement to deliver a major science, technology and innovation district east of the city centre.
Plans for the 500-acre Knowledge Quarter moved forward today with the formal establishment of an alliance between Aston University, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham City University, Bruntwood SciTech and developers Woodbourne Group, supported by West Midlands Combined Authority, to develop the site.
Birmingham City Council says B-KQ will become a “vibrant, globally connected hub” for life sciences, digital health, fintech, and advanced manufacturing industries, delivering over 580,000sqm of commercial and innovation space, and forms a key part of masterplans for the city up to 2045.
Councillor Sharon Thompson, deputy leader, Birmingham City Council and chair of the B-KQ Strategic Programme Board, said the development reflected Birmingham’s tradition of industrial ingenuity.
“Birmingham has always been a city of innovation, and with an emphasis on sectors like advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and Life Sciences, B-KQ continues our proud history of being at the cutting edge of technology,” she said.
“This is one of the most investable cities in the country, a city of unmatched potential and opportunity, and thanks to partnerships like this we are creating jobs, opportunities and prosperity for a young and growing population.”
Aston University, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham City University, Bruntwood SciTech and Woodbourne Group, supported by West Midlands Combined Authority, have teamed up on the agreement. Credit: BCC
Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University said the partnership would enable the university’s world-class research and entrepreneurial talent to work “hand in hand” with business, while Birmingham City University vice-chancellor Professor David Mba said the agreement was a “statement of intent for Birmingham”.
“Guided by BCU’s Strategy 2030 and our mission to be an exemplar anchor tenant, we will work with our partners – aligning talent, investment and ambition – to position Birmingham and the West Midlands as a globally recognised centre for innovation, while ensuring local communities share directly in the opportunities this growth create,” he added.
When completed, the site – which includes the under-construction HS2 station at Curzon Street – is set to create more than 22,000 highly skilled jobs, alongside new homes, public realm enhancements, green spaces and a “vibrant cultural and community offer”.
Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands said “real benefits” were coming to the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands as a result of multiple schemes across the region, which are backed by the combined authority.
“The foundations are now in place for the Knowledge Quarter to become a vibrant innovation district where the next generation of trailblazers in life sciences, digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing will want to be,” he said.
Tani Dulay, chief executive, Woodbourne Group, added: “This agreement represents a commitment to a once in a generation opportunity for the city.
“Woodbourne Group is committed to delivering B-KQ as an integrated district of inclusive residential living and internationally recognised innovation and life sciences environment that reinforce Birmingham’s global standing”
