Doors open at £30m Edgbaston PBSA

The first students are now arriving at the redeveloped former St Chads hospital in Birmingham, after Barwood Capital reached practical completion on its 233-bedroom scheme.

South-Midlands group Barwood Capital, alongside Cassidy Group and funding partner Dudley Taylor, were awarded planning permission for the scheme by the city council in 2024.

The scheme combines the restoration of several grade two-listed structures with three newly constructed buildings at the former hospital site, which was originally built in 1808 but closed as a medical building during the late 1980s.

The “village-style” student scheme is made up of 80 cluster rooms, 133 studios, including 12 accessible units, and 13 apartments.

Edward Henson, Director at Barwood Capital, said the restoration had created a “distinctive, high-quality student community” that respects the site’s heritage.

“St Chads will help address growing demand for modern, purpose-built student accommodation in Birmingham, while also helping to relieve pressure on the city’s wider housing stock,” he said.

“The scheme has been designed to foster a strong sense of community, wellbeing and inclusivity, providing students with an exceptional place to live, study and socialise.”