Birmingham Learning and Leisure Quarter takes another step forward

Work will start this summer on the latest part of the emerging Learning and Leisure Quarter in Birmingham. Planning permission has been granted for the 11-storey 600-room student accommodation block at the junction of Jennens Road, Fox Street and Grosvenor Street by developers Watkin Jones on land owned by Advantage West Midlands. The £25 million development is the latest part of the Quarter which is already home to Matthew Boulton College and the New Technology Institute and has a total potential development space of 650,000 sq m. The development of the Learning and Leisure Quarter is being

led by Advantage West Midlands and is aimed at creating a thriving education and knowledge-based development to complement the emerging City Park and the Ventureast development around Millennium Point. Mick Laverty, Advantage West Midlands Deputy Chief Executive, said: “The Learning and Leisure Quarter is one of the Agency’s most ambitious developments, bringing together some of the City’s top educational establishments. “With Aston University and Aston Science Park already located in the Quarter and with Millennium Point nearby, Advantage West Midlands has been working to develop the land in between for learning use. “The relocation of Matthew Boulton College gave impetus to this and the new student accommodation block, located next to the New Technology Institute will mean even more activity. “The Learning and Leisure Quarter is by no means complete and we are in negotiations with more education and knowledge institutions about moving there.”

Glyn Watkin Jones, Group Chairman at Watkin Jones Group, said: “We are excited to have the opportunity to re-develop the site to provide modern ensuite accommodation for the students of the future. “We consider our design proposals for the development to be modern and practical for the site and the design has evolved following consultation with various parties including Advantage West Midlands and Birmingham City Council. “We believe this development will make a positive contribution to student life in the city for years to come.” Birmingham City Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Councillor Ken Hardeman, said, “The building of the student accommodation in Eastside is a massive boost for the joint venture between the City Council and Advantage West Midlands. “The project represents our commitment to providing a vibrant, sustainable environment where people can live, work and play and contribute to the development of the city’s future economic, social and cultural well-being.
“All of the partners in the Learning and Leisure Quarter are working hard to shape the area so that represents a world-class opportunity for all our citizens.”