Woodbourne Group has formed a partnership with Hines to drive forward delivery of the £4bn Birmingham Knowledge Quarter (B-KQ).
The partnership with Hines could see up to £400m invested in the innovation district project. Backed by the government as part of the West Midlands Investment Zone, B-KQ covers 210 hectares and, subject to planning approval, will deliver 6.2m sq ft of state-of-the-art commercial space focused on life sciences, artificial intelligence, digital health and advanced manufacturing.
Woodbourne Group is part of a partnership with Aston University, Birmingham City University, Bruntwood SciTech and Birmingham City Council, that’s driving forward the delivery of the innovation district.
Tani Dulay, CEO of Woodbourne Group, said: “This is the culmination of over 12 months of hard work and belief from Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority and the West Midlands Growth Company in our vision. The Birmingham Knowledge Quarter will set a new global benchmark for innovation-led investment, and we’re proud to have Hines join us as we deliver the city’s next great chapter.”
Ross Blair, country head UK and Ireland, of Hines, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Woodbourne Group on the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter. This project aligns with our strategy of backing transformative, innovation-led destinations with strong connectivity and long-term growth potential. The vision for the Knowledge Quarter, together with the proximity to HS2, gives us real confidence in Birmingham’s future as a world-class hub for investment and a desirable location for high quality residential.”
Richard Parker, mayor of West Midlands, said: “We’re creating something really special at the Knowledge Quarter, where some of the streets are named after our region’s great industrial pioneers. Innovation districts around the world thrive when high quality homes are built alongside cutting-edge research institutions. Having a global player like Hines on board, to work with our partners at Woodbourne Group, will be the catalyst we need to turn this area of Birmingham into the place to be for a new generation of innovators and pioneers. This is my growth plan in action – attracting major investment into fast-growing, tech-led industries that will get our regional economy firing on all cylinders.”
John Cotton, leader of Birmingham City Council, added: “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. 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.”
