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Background information

History of the site

Industrial Revolution - the area was home to factories and workshops and was accessed by part of the canal network, notably the Digbeth Branch Canal.

Late 1800s - the area was accessed by a major tram network which ran along Albert Street. However, as the industry in the area subsided, the area fell into decline and many of the original factory buildings became derelict. A major brewery was located near Curzon Street Station and this resulted in the establishment of a public house further down the road which currently exists as a Grade II listed building.

1983 - Aston Science Park was opened in the north part of Eastside. The 22 acre site has continued to develop and is considered a key part of the Eastside regeneration scheme.

Late 1990s - plans for the regeneration of the area were aired to the public. The first plan unveiled was called the 1996 Digbeth Millennium Quarter Plan which presented proposals for the area around Digbeth and parts of Eastside. The 1998 Bull Ring and Markets Quarter Plan contained guidance to the Digbeth and Deritend area. Large scale projects which involved the renovation, demolition and reparation of the area started to be aired to the public.

2001 - The first of these projects to be completed was Millennium Point, a world-class centre for science, technology and learning. Millennium Point’s founding tenants included Birmingham City University’s Technology Innovation Centre, the Thinktank Science Museum and the region’s only IMAX Cinema.

February 2002 - a masterplan for the Eastside was developed by HOK International and this set out the basic developments. The first part of the plan to be implemented was the demolition of a large elevated road junction called Masshouse Circus and the Inner Ring Road to clear land for development. This was part of a larger plan to remove sections of the Inner Ring Road. Masshouse Circus had restricted development out of the east of the city due to its proximity and size resulting in it receiving the name “concrete collar”.

March 2006 - Birmingham City Council and Advantage West Midlands (AWM), the regional development agency, signed a joint venture to transform the area and create thousands of new jobs.

Model of the campus

Birmingham City University involvement

The University concluded a development agreement with Birmingham City Council leading to the acquisition of a long leasehold interest in the plot of land at New Canal Street.

The site comprises a substantial part of Masshouse site 8 which was formerly the proposed location for the new Library of Birmingham, for which design proposals were drawn up by the Richard Rogers Partnership.

At May 2008, the cost of the total development is put at £150m. The University has already secured £30m through its disposal programme. We generate significant funds each year from our activities. We are also putting development loans in place to smooth the cash flow. A 10-year financial forecast has been prepared and signed off by the board. It shows we can afford this development.