A University City
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Birmingham’s globally recognised universities are a cornerstone of the city’s competitive advantage. They support the city to attract world-class talent, cutting-edge research, and international investment.
The higher education sector plays an important role in job creation, innovation, and economic growth. According to a recent economic study, Birmingham’s universities are worth in excess of £5 billion to the UK economy. The city is home to the largest number of universities outside of London.
Alongside this, Birmingham is developing a vision for a world-class Knowledge Quarter. It will bring together the public sector, private sector, and universities to enhance innovation, job creation, and research. This is expected to draw many more students to the city, from across the world.
With around 100,000 students staying in the city during term time, the full-time student population has already grown by 30% in the past five years.
The delivery of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) has failed to keep pace with surging demand. Much of the existing accommodation was built before 2015, with research suggesting as many as 31,065 students are unable to find suitable PBSA accommodation.
65,220
studying in the city centre
8,290
students estimated to live in HMOs
31,065
unmet demand for student beds
(up to)
42%
of current PBSA built before 2015
When compared to other UK cities, this mismatch between demand and supply risks Birmingham becoming unattractive to students either through high rents, or low quality housing. This may restrict further growth.
Even if every proposed PBSA development in Birmingham was granted planning consent and subsequently built – there would still be a projected shortfall of up to 23,090 student beds.
The development of 120 Suffolk St. would deliver 506 student beds, meeting some of Birmingham’s identified need.
A lack of quality accommodation also forces students to occupy homes not designed for their needs. This includes Build-to-Rent and family housing, which is contributing to wider affordability challenges – as well as displacing young professionals, families, and downsizers.