Plans for the space include a library and quiet learning areas, along with several professional services functions.

As part of the investment, the University will also establish a meetings and events space to support local businesses, employers and industry partners in the heart of the city. 

The investment in Baskerville House will enable the university to meet further growth demand by extensively repurposing its existing Link Building at the city centre campus to house the new School of Psychology, Sport and Education, which opens its doors for students from September 2024, and to create additional teaching and learning facilities to accommodate continued growth across its course portfolio.

Baskerville House is located in Centenary Square, a few minutes’ walk from Grand Central and New Street.

Vice Chancellor and Principal Professor Michael Harkin said: “The University has a proud history of investing in the City Centre to provide first class buildings and facilities for students, with close to £200 million spent in the last ten years.

“Working with our partners, we are committed to providing excellent opportunities for students and for stakeholders in the region and our most recent investments and newly announced plans for further expansion reinforces this commitment.

“Most recently, in December 2023, we completed a £23 million redevelopment of the former James Cond printworks, to create the Centre for Sustainable Construction and have enrolled over 400 construction students to establish what is already our biggest Further Education Department; our brand new £6 million Sixth Form Centre development in our Camden House building is now complete and, we look forward to welcoming our first cohort of Sixth formers in September 2024.

“Despite the freeze on undergraduate tuition fees for over six years and huge economic pressures, we have achieved our development aspirations in a cost effective and secure manner, without the need for external financial investment.

“Our move to the flagship Baskerville House places the University right at the heart of the City Centre, further strengthening our ability to serve the people of Birmingham, its businesses and employers, as well as providing our students with the outstanding support services they deserve in a world class setting.”