Knowledge Quarter agreement signed with promise of 22,000 skilled jobs

Five of Birmingham's leading organisations have signed an agreement to create the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, a new innovation district on the eastern edge of the city centre that its backers say could bring more than 22,000 skilled jobs.

The Birmingham Knowledge Quarter Collaboration Agreement was signed on 27 January by Aston University, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham City University, science park operator Bruntwood SciTech and developer Woodbourne Group, with support from the regional combined authority.

What is planned

The district, known as B-KQ, covers the area around Aston University, Birmingham City University's Eastside campus and the new HS2 station at Curzon Street. The partners say it will become a hub for life sciences, digital health, fintech and advanced manufacturing, with more than 580,000 square metres of new commercial and innovation space, new homes, green spaces and cultural and community facilities.

The agreement sets up joint governance, delivery and investment arrangements for the area, which is one of the anchor sites in the region's Investment Zone. That status brings government-backed incentives for businesses on designated sites, including five years of full business rates relief, full first-year capital allowances on plant and machinery, and Stamp Duty Land Tax relief on commercial land and buildings.

The partners say 170,000 square feet of innovation and technology space is already available, including at Bruntwood SciTech's Enterprise Wharf, the new Aston Business Hub and Woodbourne Group's planned BioCity at Curzon Wharf.

Building on existing investment

The agreement follows Woodbourne Group's collaboration with investment manager Hines, which the partners say could unlock up to £400 million of further investment in the district's homes and innovation space. Birmingham City University has already invested more than £400 million in Eastside, including its STEAMhouse innovation centre, while Aston University is developing the Birmingham Innovation Precinct, a 20-hectare area beside its campus.

Planned improvements to public spaces around Aston University, Jennens Road and Curzon Street aim to create safer, greener routes linking nearby neighbourhoods with the city centre and the station.

"Not just about buildings"

The partners stress that the district is meant to benefit the communities around it, including Aston, Newtown and Nechells, through training, apprenticeships and enterprise support delivered with local schools, colleges and small businesses.

"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," said Councillor Sharon Thompson, the council's Deputy Leader and chair of the B-KQ strategic programme board.

Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor of Aston University, said the partnership would let researchers and entrepreneurs work "hand-in-hand with businesses and community". Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, called the agreement "a statement of intent for Birmingham".

Mayor Richard Parker said all three of his key Investment Zone sites were now "rapidly moving towards spades in the ground", with thousands of jobs, new homes and new investment to follow in Eastside, Aston and beyond.