The UK’s largest property provider to the science, technology and innovation sectors has finalised plans for more than 50,000 sq ft of life sciences facilities with the University of Birmingham.
Bruntwood SciTech is a joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General, and Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
The partnership has now revealed plans for the state-of-the-art facilities which will be located at the Birmingham Health Innovations Campus (BHIC).
The University will establish a best in class training facility within BHIC’s first building, known as No.1 BHIC. As the West Midlands’ first dedicated life science hub and a Government-designated Life Science Opportunity Zone (LSOZ), BHIC will drive forward significant advancements in research and solutions for improved healthcare in the region, providing much-needed additional clinical and incubation space for the University.
The new facility within No.1 BHIC, will be known as the Birmingham Centre for Anatomy, Surgical and Clinical Skills (B-CASCS), and will join the Precision Health Technologies Accelerator (PHTA) in the flagship first building. Only 10,000 sq ft of space remains available within the building, which has been purpose built to support life science businesses as part of the campus’ first phase. PHTA is the University’s signature life science business innovation facility, which brings industry together with clinical-academic leaders to commercialise cutting-edge therapies and technologies.
The Centre will provide students with unparalleled opportunities to advance their practical learning in simulated environments that mirror real-world healthcare settings and scenarios.
Green screens, microphones, cameras and other high-end audiovisual equipment will be integrated into mock hospital wards, consulting rooms and a surgical theatre, ensuring an authentic and engaging training experience.
This immersive and realistic approach will equip students with the comprehensive practical skills necessary for navigating complex healthcare environments. The Centre will also provide a high fidelity environment for surgical skills training, with both cadaveric and simulated facilities.
Situated at the heart of a critical cluster of health excellence near the University of Birmingham’s Medical School and several major hospitals, the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus will accelerate life sciences research and create opportunities for collaborations between businesses, the University and NHS partners.
Spanning 657,000 sq ft upon completion of the entire campus, BHIC will integrate cutting-edge research with commercial opportunities, creating a pioneering location for startups, SMEs and established enterprises in medtech, precision medicine and digital healthcare.
Bruntwood SciTech is also a partner in the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA), aimed at tackling the challenges life science companies face when bringing new technologies to the market. The programme unites a collaborative network of expertise across industry, NHS and universities, helping pioneering businesses navigate the key stages of medical translation. The Government-funded initiative will streamline the process of converting technologies from concept to real-world implementation.
Businesses located at the campus will also benefit from Bruntwood SciTech’s innovation and growth support which includes access to the brightest talent, connections to capital and investment, and introductions to established partners across its sizeable network, including universities, hospital trusts and other public and private sector organisations.
They can also access collaboration and networking opportunities through the company’s like-minded science, tech and innovation community built across Birmingham at locations including Innovation Birmingham, Cornerblock, Cornwall Buildings, Mclaren and Centre City, which have seen a further £50m invested into by Bruntwood SciTech in the past 12 months.
No.1 BHIC is scheduled to open in the coming months, with the Birmingham Centre for Anatomy, Surgical and Clinical Skills welcoming its first cohort of students in September 2026. The introduction of such a centre aligns with Bruntwood SciTech’s goal to support the growth of the region’s highly skilled talent, economic growth, attract investment and promote regional healthcare innovation.
Dr Kath Mackay, chief scientific officer for Bruntwood SciTech, said: “We are delighted to welcome the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Anatomy, Surgical and Clinical Skills to BHIC, reinforcing our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the life sciences sector in the West Midlands. The Centre represents a transformative opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals, providing students and postgraduate clinicians with unparalleled hands-on experience in a simulated environment, and opportunities for co-located companies to access the UK’s brightest healthcare minds."
Professor Neil Hanley, pro-vice-chancellor and head of the College of Medicine and Health at the University of Birmingham, said: “We are providing the next generation of healthcare professionals with access to essential cutting-edge facilities. These state-of-the-art resources will enable students and postgraduate trainees to engage in practical learning experiences that mirror real-world healthcare environments.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Bruntwood SciTech, as this partnership will drive innovation and deliver impactful healthcare solutions within Birmingham’s leading life science ecosystem. Together, we are creating a dynamic environment that fosters academic and clinical excellence, benefiting not only our students but also the wider community and healthcare industry.”
Bruntwood SciTech was advised by Track Real Estate, CBRE and Savills.
