Birmingham Knowledge Quarter launches with landmark collaborations
Birmingham’s leading organisations have come together to officially launch the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter (B-KQ) collaboration agreement.
The alliance between Aston University, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham City University, Bruntwood SciTech and Woodbourne Group, supported by West Midlands Combined Authority, signals the launch of a world-class innovation district and anchor site within the West Midlands Investment Zone.
It is designed to deliver global impact while creating tangible benefits for communities across Aston, Newtown, Nechells, and the wider city.
The Agreement establishes a robust foundation for joint governance, delivery, and investment in the heart of Birmingham.
B-KQ will become a vibrant, globally connected hub for life sciences, digital health, fintech, and advanced manufacturing — delivering over 580,000sqm of new space commercial and innovation space, creating more than 22,000 highly skilled jobs, alongside new homes, public realm enhancements, green spaces and a vibrant cultural and community offer.
This partnership builds on significant momentum across the district, including Woodbourne Group’s newly announced collaboration with global real estate investment manager Hines — a deal that could unlock up to £400 million of additional investment into B‐KQ’s residential and innovation pipeline.
Birmingham City University and Aston University are both major anchor institutions driving this growth. Birmingham City University has invested over £400 million to revitalise Birmingham and transform the Eastside district with flagship initiatives including the award-winning STEAMhouse.
Meanwhile, Aston University’s Birmingham Innovation Precinct (BIP), adjacent to its main campus, is nurturing groundbreaking ideas and enterprise creation, including the new Aston Business Hub at 10 Woodcock Street.
Together, both universities’ long‐standing work with local schools, colleges, and SMEs will ensure that residents in neighbouring communities can access training, apprenticeships, and enterprise support.
Planned improvements to public spaces around Aston University Campus, Jennens Road, and Curzon Street will create safer, greener routes that better connect local neighbourhoods with the city centre and major transport hubs.
Strategically located alongside the new HS2 Curzon Street station and the “Innovation Line” rail corridor, B-KQ offers connectivity to London, Oxford, Cambridge, and beyond.
As part of the West Midlands Investment Zone, B-KQ provides a unique package of government-backed incentives across multiple sites for businesses, investors, and developers.
It includs five years of full business rates relief for new and expanding businesses on designated tax sites (available until March 2034), 100 per cent first‑year capital allowances for investment in plant and machinery, full Stamp Duty Land Tax relief on commercial land and building acquisitions until September 2034, enhanced structures and buildings allowances at 10 per cent per annum, and an increased Employer National Insurance threshold for eligible new employees.
170,000 sqft of innovation and tech space is available now including at Bruntwood SciTech’s Enterprise Wharf, Aston Business Hub and Woodbourne Groups upcoming BioCity at Curzon Wharf with further opportunities for pre-lets and investment in the Northern Gateway mixed-use project.
Speaking about the partnership, Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Aston University said: “This partnership empowers our world-class research and entrepreneurial talent to work hand-in-hand with businesses and community, co-creating solutions to the biggest regional challenges, and delivering socio-economic transformation.
“Within the B-KQ is the Birmingham Innovation Precinct (BIP) a 20-hectare area adjacent to Aston University which will nurture groundbreaking ideas and foster enterprise creation including the development of the new Aston Business Hub within the landmark 10 Woodcock Street building.”
Professor David Mba, vice chancellor of Birmingham City University, said: “This collaboration is a statement of intent for Birmingham. Guided by BCU’s Strategy 2030 and our mission to be an exemplar anchor tenant, we will work with our partners - aligning talent, investment and ambition - to position Birmingham and the West Midlands as a globally recognised centre for innovation, while ensuring local communities share directly in the opportunities this growth creates.”
Pictured from left to right: Richard Lawrence, Executive director of place, prosperity and sustainability at Birmingham City Council; Moe Ali, associate director at Bruntwood Sci-Tech; Rooqia Malik, programme manager for the West Midlands Investment Zone at WMCA; Professor David Mba, vice-chancellor of Birmingham City University; Councillor Sharon Thompson, B‑KQ strategic partnership board chair, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council and deputy mayor of the West Midlands; Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Aston University; Catherine Hadfield, strategic lead for the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter; and Tani Dulay, CEO of Woodbourne Group.
