Mills & Reeve advises Birmingham City University on high profile STEAMhouse project

Our team worked with Birmingham City University (BCU) to acquire four plots of land in Eastside, further building on the thriving education quarter in Birmingham. They have previously advised the university on the relocation of the world famous Royal Birmingham Conservatoire to a £57 million purpose built facility at Millennium Point.

One of the acquisitions is for phase two of BCU’s STEAMhouse project, a £60 million scheme which will create up to 10,000 jobs across the West Midlands and provide new facilities for academics, artists and businesses in the heart of the city. Long-term plans for the remaining three plots will be developed by the university in due course. 

The multi-disciplinary team at Mills & Reeve worked on behalf of BCU to acquire all plots of land, involving real estate, construction and tax advice. 

Christian Bull, real estate partner in Mills & Reeve’s Birmingham office, said: 

“Birmingham is going from strength to strength and the ambitious STEAMhouse project from BCU is a fantastic example of the exciting, forward thinking investment in the city. We were thrilled to be able to help them achieve the outcome they needed. As education specialists with in-depth knowledge of the sector and the city, we were able to bring our experience and expertise to the project, advising BCU on a wide range of issues that might arise and helping them prepare strategies to ensure STEAMhouse will be a driving force for the Midlands Engine, which is really gathering momentum.” 

John Plumridge, director of estates and facilities at BCU, said: 

“I am delighted to work with Mills & Reeve on our plans to develop STEAMhouse Phase Two and transform the historic Belmont Works building. STEAMhouse Phase Two will provide space for talented and innovative people from across academia, business and civic society to come together and develop ideas and products that change the world. 

Birmingham City University has played a key role in the regeneration of the Eastside district of the city and this project represents a continuation of our commitment to this transformation.”