University expands Birmingham campus

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has expanded its Birmingham campus, taking an additional 19,500 sq ft at Quay Place in the city centre.

The University has agreed a ten-year lease on the ground, first and second floor of Louisa House.

UWTSD already occupies 13,000 sq ft in Victoria House and Vincent House at Quay Place. The three buildings form part of the University’s Birmingham campus, which also includes a teaching facility in Sparkhill.

CBRE, the global real estate adviser, acted on behalf of the landlord. CBRE’s planning team also advised on the change of use from offices to include learning and non-residential institutions to facilitate the deal.

Theo Holmes, head of office agency at CBRE in Birmingham, said: “The University of Wales Trinity Saint David is part of a growing trend of educational institutions taking traditional office space in well located, central locations and repurposing it.

“Space requirements of universities are very similar to office occupiers, and when coupled with access to local amenities and good transport links, it’s easy to see why an increasing number of higher education institutions are choosing this route to establish and expand their campuses.”

Quay Place comprises six individual grade A office buildings. Four of the buildings are fully let, with 8,640 sq ft and 3,712 sq ft available in Albert House and Vincent House respectively.

A comprehensive refurbishment has been carried out of the internal courtyard and common areas, including the creation of a meeting room hub, shower facilities, café and canal side seating area.