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Birmingham City University appoints Master Planning Architects for new City Centre Campus in Eastside

CN / 4471 29th October 2007

Birmingham City University has appointed Building Design Partnership (BDP) as Master Planning architects to develop an exciting new City Centre campus. 

The plan for the proposed site, which was formerly identified for the City Library, is to build 37,000sq metres of new facilities. When added to the University's existing Eastside locations, the completed campus will have over 50,000 sq metres of facilities and will be home to around 10,000 students.  It will be one of three future campus locations for the University, bringing together opportunities for higher education in Creative Arts, Performing Arts, Media, Technology and Design.

The University received over 20 expressions of interest from architects interested in the initiative.  Commenting on the appointment, Mary Martin, Pro Vice Chancellor for Birmingham City University said, “BDP has a very appealing design philosophy that places the user at the heart of the design process, shaping the ‘architecture’ around both functional and social aspirations. They are driven by the desire to create the very best inspirational and educational environments possible; places and spaces that are enjoyed and appreciated by the people who use them every day.”

Chris Harding, the London office’s lead Architect for the project said, “BDP are very excited about this opportunity to work with Birmingham City University.  The site in Eastside is the ideal location to build connections between learners, businesses and the public, in this rapidly developing part of the city”.

Cllr Neville Summerfield, Cabinet Member for Regeneration of Birmingham City Council, said, “the regeneration impact of the University being in the heart of the Eastside Learning and Leisure Zone, close to many of the new emerging businesses, will be very significant. We are working with Birmingham City University and Advantage West Midlands and aim to finalise the Development Agreement later this month”.

Also see the dedicated City Centre campus microsite.

More information about Birmingham City University

For more information contact:
Birmingham City University Media Relations Office on 0121 331 6738, email press@bcu.ac.uk or out-of-hours on 07967 271 532

Also see our about Birmingham City University page for more background information on the University.