UK: Birmingham City Council is set to approve Cambrian Wharf, a 35-storey PBSA project which will be developed by University College Birmingham.
The development will create a new campus-style expansion of the university, while allowing for a 10 per cent growth in student numbers.
The proposals involve redeveloping the current campus accommodation on Brindley Drive. It was built in the 1970s and no longer meets the requirements for modern student living standards.
University College Birmingham is progressing a full planning application for the development. It is is divided into two blocks – a 35-storey Canal Block and 15-storey Courtyard Block.
The new buildings will create more than 1,200 beds, including 968 en-suite bedrooms, measuring 13 square metres each, in clusters of five to eight; as well as 237 studios measuring 16.5 square metres.
Birmingham City Council’s planning committee will review the plans on 11 July.
A report for the council’s planning committee said: “The proposed development would see the delivery of a high-quality development in a sustainable location on brownfield land. The proposed scheme would make a meaningful contribution towards Birmingham’s housing shortfall, PBSA demand, and contribute towards the regeneration aspirations for this part of the city centre. It would create a distinctive place and allow for the growth of an established city centre educational establishment. The scheme would also provide economic, social and environmental benefits.”
Amenities will include a gym, dance studios, study spaces and social rooms, as well as external amenity spaces.
The new Cambrian Wharf building would enable all University College Birmingham students to live in one building. Currently 827 student beds are at a separate building – The Maltings – located off Bath Row. If this development is approved, it will create an additional 131 student beds.
Mark Payne, executive director of finance and corporate services at University College Birmingham, said: “The proposals for the redevelopment of our existing student accommodation offer will strengthen the University’s ability to offer a world-class, supportive student experience in well-located, good value, quality accommodation. This redevelopment provides an opportunity to widen the choice and supply of student bedrooms, whilst ensuring they are fulfilling the requirements of future students studying at the University.”
