Mercia Real Estate has secured planning consent for a further 129 units at its Haüs purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Edgbaston.
Mercia is investing £32m to convert part of the 95,000 sq ft former HSBC office complex into 266 student beds. The initial phase of development is scheduled for practical completion in June, with the building welcoming its first students for the 2026/27 academic year.
The additional planning consent will increase the total number of beds provided at the scheme to 395. On completion, Mercia will have deployed more than £45m into the transformation of the building.
Designed around the concept of an exclusive members club, Haüs Edgbaston will offer extensive on-site amenities including a fully equipped gym, juice bar, cinema room, karaoke room, games room, content creation studio, private study zones and a private dining room.
Samuel Clark, CEO of Mercia Real Estate, said: “Redeveloping existing buildings and previously developed land sits exactly alongside our proven value-add strategy. Applying this ethos across both industrial and residential sectors, enabled by our capital partners, will continue in 2026. Being able to showcase the show apartment’s beautifully finished spaces has brought our vision for Haüs to life, and we’re excited to welcome our first students this September so they can experience first-hand all of the building’s high-end and unique amenities.”
Nick Sweeney, city manager at Yugo, which has been appointed to operate the building, added: “Haüs is a great example of thoughtful reuse done properly: strong amenity, clear student focus and an asset that’s built to perform operationally as well as experientially. We’re excited to bring Yugo’s student first approach to Birmingham and to support Mercia Real Estate as their PBSA portfolio grows.”
Simon Dekker, senior relationship director at Paragon Bank, said: “This development shows how strong partnerships between developer, lender and landowner can repurpose existing buildings to create placemaking communities where they’re needed most. The scheme will support Birmingham’s education sector and wider regeneration ambitions. We’re proud to be one of the biggest investors in Edgbaston and look forward to funding more developments that bring positive impact to communities across Birmingham and the wider region.”
