University News Last updated 21 September 2011
An official ceremony has taken place to mark Birmingham City University’s “formidable” commitment to driving forward a vision to create a Learning Quarter in the heart of the city.
To celebrate the launch of Phase One of Birmingham City University’s City Centre Campus project a special ‘turf cutting’ event was held at the new campus site on Eastside, adjacent to Millennium Point.
Business and civic leaders, senior University managers and academics, plus representatives from the project team gathered to witness Professor David Tidmarsh, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, and Peter Owen, Willmott Dixon’s Managing Director for the Midlands, ceremonially cut the ground at the Curzon Street site. The pair used a specially engraved spade for the occasion.
Among the guests were Ian Callum, Design Director for Jaguar Land Rover, honorary graduate Charles Morgan, CEO of the Morgan Motor Company, Mick Laverty, CEO, Advantage West Midlands, and Councillor Peter Douglas Osbourn, Chair of Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee and proud University graduate.
World-class provision
The project – part of the Big City Plan to support the city’s renaissance - is also part of the University’s overall £180 million investment in new facilities to help create the skilled graduates of the future.
Birmingham City University has teamed up with Birmingham-based Willmott Dixon to build the 18,310 sq metre facility, providing a purpose-built home for the world-class provision of the University’s Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD).
The building will also feature a large ‘media hub’ with industry-standard TV, radio and photographic studios that will underpin the University’s prestigious media production courses. This centre of excellence will boast the “biggest television studios between London and Salford” and perfectly positions the University and Birmingham as a major contributor to the creative industries.
Campus now becoming a reality
Professor David Tidmarsh, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, said: “This ceremony celebrated our Phase One launch and the fact, with the help of our partners, we are turning our City Centre Campus vision into a reality.
“This landmark facility, in the heart of the city, will directly support the creative industries, business engagement, applied innovation and cultural excellence across the region and beyond.”
Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, added: "I’m delighted to see Phase One of Birmingham City University's City Centre Campus being launched.
“Eastside is an essential part of Birmingham's future and the commitment Birmingham City University has made to the area is formidable. I know, in Birmingham City University, the City has a partner with great ambition and I am sure the new campus will be a great success.”
Hear why Vice-Chancellor David Tidmarsh thinks the City Centre Campus will be a massive boost to the University and Birmingham as a city. Interview by Nicola Jones.