University Announces Land Sale to Support Jobs and Housing in Birmingham

Vacant Heritage Buildings at Selly Oak Set for Redevelopment

The University of Birmingham, a leading UK public research institution and proud member of the Russell Group, was founded in 1900 and is based in Edgbaston, England. With over 36,000 students, it is widely recognised for its excellence in medical sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. Ranked 13th in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), the university blends historic architecture with state-of-the-art facilities and extends its global footprint through a Dubai campus. Its annual income exceeds £900 million, including £200 million in research funding, underscoring its pivotal role in regional development, sustainability, and civic engagement. In a recent announcement, the university revealed plans to sell two sections of its Selly Oak campus, a site that has formed part of its estate since 2001. The land includes several heritage houses and vacant buildings, which are now earmarked for redevelopment.

According to Erica Conway, Chief Financial Officer, the proposed sale will support the creation of new housing in Birmingham, while also stimulating job creation and economic growth across the city. She highlighted the university’s 125-year legacy of civic engagement and its status as one of the region’s largest employers, supporting 1 in every 50 jobs in Birmingham and contributing to over 13,000 jobs across the West Midlands. This initiative aligns with broader regional efforts to tackle housing shortages and promote urban regeneration, particularly in areas with underused land. Notably, Birmingham City Council has identified Selly Oak as a strategic location for mixed-use development, given its proximity to transport links, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.

Steve Jordan, Director of Estates, acknowledged the heritage value of the site and confirmed that the university will seek a developer with the expertise and investment capacity to manage the site responsibly. A formal tender process is expected to begin in the autumn, with proposals invited that balance preservation, innovation, and community benefit. Given the heritage status of the buildings, future development may be subject to planning constraints or conservation requirements, which could shape the scope of the project. The university has indicated that local stakeholders, including heritage groups and residents, may be consulted to ensure transparency and meaningful community input.

While no decisions have been made regarding the remainder of the Selly Oak campus, the university continues to explore options, ranging from academic partnerships and commercial leasing to community-led initiatives, based on strategic priorities and market interest. All queries related to the sale and future development are being directed to the university’s Estates Business Administration Team, which will oversee communications and stakeholder engagement throughout the process. This announcement comes amid a wider trend in UK higher education, where institutions are reassessing their estate portfolios in response to shifting student numbers, financial pressures, and the need for flexible learning environments. In essence, the University of Birmingham’s decision reflects a strategic balancing act, preserving heritage while unlocking new opportunities for civic growth.

Editor’s Note:

The University of Birmingham has announced plans to sell part of its Selly Oak campus, including several heritage buildings that are currently empty. This land has been part of the university’s estate since 2001. The sale is meant to support new housing in Birmingham and help create jobs. University leaders say this move fits with their long history of working with the local community and supporting the city’s growth. The site’s heritage status means that any future development will need to be handled with care. The university plans to choose a developer who can balance old and new, and who will listen to local voices. 

Skoobuzz highlights that this decision is part of a wider trend, as many UK universities rethink how they use their land and buildings. The University of Birmingham says it will keep exploring options for the rest of the Selly Oak site.