University plans to sell part of campus

The University of Birmingham is moving ahead with plans to sell part of its Selly Oak campus to potentially pave the way for new housing.

Last year, the university announced plans to sell two sections of this particular campus – which is located around one mile away from the main Edgbaston one.

The land has belonged to the university since being acquired in 2001 and includes several heritage houses and buildings, all of which are vacant.

UoB said at the time that the sale of the land could bring more housing to the city, as well as unlock job and growth opportunities.

CBRE, a commercial property estate agent, has this week confirmed that it has been appointed by UoB to sell the land, which it describes as a “prime redevelopment site”.

It continued that the sale of the vacant site will fund expansion and development for the university at its Edgbaston campus and support its ambition to be recognised among the world’s top 50 universities.

CBRE added the sale will form a key part of the university’s 2045 Campus Vision, which sets out its ambitions for a programme of improvements to be made over the next 20 years.

These include “enhanced sustainability, an improved student experience and capacity for future growth”.

On how the main campus could change in the coming years as part of this vision, the university says: “Our modern campus will be more connected, with new and improved social spaces, facilities and student residences that meet the diverse needs of our student, staff, and alumni communities.

“[They will] provide a warm reception to partners, visitors and neighbours.

“We want to become an even more vibrant social location and to better celebrate our sports and cultural offerings so they can be enjoyed by all those visiting our campus.”

UoB adds that the vision will allow it to “advance our research, enhance our education, strengthen our residential offer and accommodate growth”.

CBRE went on to say that the site on the Selly Oak campus provides purchasers with a “rare opportunity to acquire the freehold 8.9 acres of land in a highly desirable part of the city”.

“The property is being marketed as a prime redevelopment site,” it continued. “[It] provides the opportunity for a scheme to incorporate new build development alongside the retention of existing listed and heritage buildings within an attractive green and parkland environment.”

Jack Jones, associate director at CBRE, said the land being marketed could be ideal for any purpose, from housing to a care facility.

“Selly Oak campus represents a compelling opportunity for developers to deliver a high-quality scheme in a well-established and well-connected part of Birmingham,” he said.

“The heritage buildings add character and are a selling point to the right buyer.”

“Birmingham continues to attract significant investment, and opportunities of this scale and quality remain limited,” he added.

Steve Jordan, director of estates at the University of Birmingham, said: “We are proudly rooted in the city of Birmingham and in the local communities that we’ve been a part of for the last 125 years.

“Recognising and appreciating the heritage status of the site, we will work closely with CBRE to find the right expertise and investment for the area.

“We look forward to seeing see how the site will be restored and given new purpose.”