Bruntwood SciTech Joins Forces to Sign the Collaboration Agreement for Birmingham Knowledge Quarter: A New Era for Innovation

Today marks a defining moment for the West Midlands as Bruntwood SciTech joins four of Birmingham’s most influential academic and civic leaders to officially sign the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter (B-KQ) Collaboration Agreement. This landmark partnership between Bruntwood SciTech, Aston University, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham City University, and Woodbourne Group, supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority, establishes a premier innovation district at the core of the West Midlands Investment Zone.

As the leading property provider for the UK’s knowledge economy, Bruntwood SciTech is committed to creating the infrastructure that ambitious businesses need to thrive. Central to our contribution is Enterprise Wharf, a 120,000 sqft smart-enabled hub designed to support the scaling of digital, tech and innovation-led businesses in the heart of Birmingham’s Knowledge Quarter.

The B-KQ is envisioned as a globally connected cluster for life sciences, digital health, fintech, and advanced manufacturing. By providing over 580,000 sqm of innovation and commercial space, the district will create more than 22,000 highly skilled jobs and drive inclusive growth for communities across the city.

Positioned adjacent to the upcoming HS2 Curzon Street station, the B-KQ offers unparalleled connectivity to the UK’s major innovation hubs. As an anchor site within the West Midlands Investment Zone, the district provides opportunities for businesses to access the greatest talent, capital and strategic partners to support business growth.

Occupiers seeking a dedicated, self-contained environment will find significant value at Faraday Wharf. Under the Investment Zone framework, new and expanding businesses interested in locating to Faraday Wharf, are eligible to receive five years of full business rates relief, available until March 2034. 

The B-KQ Collaboration Agreement is more than an infrastructure project; it is a commitment to transforming Birmingham’s economic landscape through partnership. By aligning with the "Our Future City" framework, Bruntwood SciTech and its partners are ensuring the city remains a magnet for international talent while creating sustainable opportunities for local residents.

Chris Oglesby, Chief Executive of Bruntwood SciTech, commented:

"B-KQ represents an exciting new blueprint for embedding innovation into the heart of a city. Through close partnership with the city’s academic, civic and commercial leaders, we’re helping shape this next chapter for Birmingham. From landmark investments like Centre City and the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, to the development of Enterprise Wharf within the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, Bruntwood SciTech is committed to delivering the world-class infrastructure, partnerships and support that innovation-led businesses need to scale, collaborate and innovate."

The B-KQ partnership invites innovators, investors, and community stakeholders to be part of this transformative journey.