Birmingham Airport Appoints Arup to Develop Future Masterplan
Building Brum: Midlands Update
Hosted by EH Smith and Solus Plus at the Digbeth Design Centre
This December, we are joined by Sophy Jacob, Project Director for the BBC and Lucy Lund Senior Project Manager J4 Projects, who will share insight into the vision behind the scheme, its design and delivery journey, and how it will support the BBC’s long-term commitment to the region
This landmark development marks a major milestone in the city’s transformation, blending heritage with innovation to create the BBC’s first net-zero carbon building. As part of the wider Typhoo Wharf masterplan, the project is set to play a key role in shaping Digbeth’s creative and cultural future
The Building Brum series is kindly sponsored by Solus , ScanTech Digital, Arup, Careys, EH Smith Architectural Solutions and Sunbelt Rentals.
Birmingham City Council | Building Brum Episode #58
Steering Birmingham’s Next Chapter with Birmingham City Council Director of Planning and Development Simon Delahunty-Forrest.
This November, we caught up with Simon Delahunty-Forrest, Birmingham City Council’s newly appointed Director of Planning and Development, to explore his vision for Birmingham’s future and what lies ahead for the city’s growth and regeneration.
Having played a key role in shaping Birmingham’s planning and regeneration story over the past 35 years, Simon reflects on how the city has evolved through the Big City Plan and Our Future City Plan 2045.
Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
Cordia UK Receives Green Light for Major Regeneration Project in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter
Plans agreed for Edgbaston Street Gardens regeneration
HBD’s £150m Birmingham BTR scheme moves forward
Digbeth’s renaissance from gritty industrial neighbourhood to creative capital races ahead
The Royal Quarter - Bringing Wolverhampton’s Historic Hospital Back to Life
We explore one of Wolverhampton’s most remarkable regeneration stories, the transformation of the long-vacant Royal Hospital site into becoming the heart of a thriving new neighbourhood, the Royal Quarter.
Special guests:
Rebecca Bennett Casserly - Corporate Director of Development - WHG
Rob Lamond - Head of Strategy & Analysis - WMCA
Deborah Casey - Head of Growth - Midlands Homes England
Matthew Moore - CEO - Morro Partnerships
Sally Cowan - Chief Officer Places - YMCA, Black Country
Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
Milestone as Edition Birmingham's Park
Residence apartments sell
out with over £100
million of sales
HBD appoints contractor for landmark £1bn Golden Valley scheme
Mayor announces £75m training package
Building Brum: The Briefings | Thirty-Five Newhall
Hosted by Associated Architects, ESTILO INTERIORS, Webb Yates Engineers and Hoare Lea.
Join us this October for the next Building Brum Briefing, as we explore the ambitious redevelopment of 35 Newhall, a landmark project redefining the heart of Birmingham’s historic business district.
AP UK selects McLaren Construction to lead Colmore Gate tower refurbishment in central Birmingham
Squire Patton Boggs has become the first occupier of Kier Property’s 19 Cornwall Street
Work is under way on new £1.9 million college library in Telford
Developer selected for Druids Heath regeneration scheme to deliver a sustainable community of around 3,500 homes
Prosperous Places and Investment report highlights busy year in Walsall’s regeneration journey
Green Innovation Corridor first phase planning application submitted by City of Wolverhampton Council and University of Wolverhampton
The Octagon - Birmingham’s tallest building completes
BBC announces largest West Midlands expansion in more than a decade
HBD secures planning for phase two of £126m SPARK scheme
McLaren Construction completes 572-bed first phase of student scheme for development JV of Topland and McLaren Property
Building Brum partners Careys awarded ‘Contractor of the Year’ at the Construction News Specialists Awards
Mayor visits historic building following restoration to provide new homes
Huge HS2 bridge move completed in Birmingham four days ahead of schedule
Mayor and Sandwell Council appoint Keepmoat to drive forward 600 new homes
Birmingham City Council green light Aston Villa £100m North Stand expansion
Major Regeneration Plans Revealed for the Bill House Site on Soho Hill
Pension Insurance Corporation and Court Collaboration have confirmed Sectional Completion of One Eastside Tower B
Major funding agreed for Smithfield Birmingham
Cabinet backs masterplan for new neighbourhood at former Sainsbury’s site in Wolverhampton
PIC and Court Collaboration celebrate with One Eastside topping out ceremony
Regenerating Birmingham with Cordia UK CEO András Kárpáti
This July, we caught up with András Kárpáti, CEO of Cordia UK. Exploring the company’s journey from its roots as BlackSwan Property to becoming a key player in Birmingham’s regeneration story. András shares how both he and Cordia, as part of the internationally renowned Futureal Group, chose Birmingham out of all of the other cities in Europe and came to invest in the UK, and why Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter became the focal point for transformative development. We unpack the strategic vision behind Cordia’s move into the UK market, the city’s unique appeal on a global stage, and how András’ first impressions of Birmingham helped shape the company's long-term ambitions.
Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
Homes England, NatWest and WMCA to support Aviva and Moda in £200m deal for major rental community in Birmingham
Enclave: Birmingham City Opens as Final Phase Tops Out
Building Brum: The Team Behind Three Chamberlain Square
In this episode of the Building Brum Podcast, we’re joined by key members of the team behind Three Chamberlain Square — Alex Housden from MEPC, Owen Doherty from Weedon Architects, Michael Gosling from Cundall, Chris Hucknall from Sir Robert McAlpine, and Laurence Vickers from AtkinsRéalis.
Together, they reflect on the collaborative journey that brought this landmark commercial development to life. From navigating logistical challenges and maintaining momentum during critical stages of construction, to celebrating key milestones such as topping out, the discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at the delivery of a major city centre scheme.
Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
Hartwell submits plans for £100 million Phoenix Yard regeneration of former ironworks site in Digbeth
Walsall Council has appointed Kier as contractor for the landmark Connected Gateway scheme
Three Chamberlain Square reaches practical completion at Paradise Birmingham
Building Brum & CIOB: Retrofitting vs Redevelopment
Birmingham’s commercial property market is at a crossroads. With tightening sustainability regulations and increasing demand for high-performance buildings, many of the city’s existing office spaces are facing a stark choice: retrofit or redevelopment. While landmark projects, from the Palisades to Primark and the relaunch of Centre City, are leading the way in commercial retrofitting, other buildings are being deemed unviable and are set for demolition.
Join Building Brum and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) this July for an essential discussion on how Birmingham’s city centre is evolving, and what it means for developers, investors, and occupiers.
This event will explore:
🔹 The Retrofit Imperative – With 80% of commercial properties at risk of becoming unlettable by 2030, how is the city responding?
🔹 Balancing Sustainability & Viability – When does it make sense to retrofit, and when is demolition the only option?
🔹 Case Studies in Action – Lessons from high-profile projects.
🔹 The Future of Birmingham’s Built Environment – What does the shift towards sustainable, energy-efficient buildings mean for the city’s skyline?
Event Chair: Mat Jones – Senior Director - Turley
Special guest panellists
Laura Wardak - Arup - Structural Design Associate
Moe Ali – Associate Director - Bruntwood SciTech
Alex Housden – Senior Development Manager - MEPC
Mark Stenning – Contracts Manager – Careys
The Building Brum series is kindly sponsored by Solus, ScanTech Digital, Careys, Apic UK Limited, Arup, EH Smith and Sunbelt Rentals.
Due to sponsorship conditions and venue capacity, ticket restrictions are in place and apply to manufacturers, suppliers, recruiters and sales representatives.
For more information regarding sponsorship please email conor@curzon-consultants.uk or visit www.buildingbrum.co.uk
Greystar Appoints McAleer & Rushe to Deliver 836-Bed Student Roost Scheme in Birmingham
Prospectus unveiled to promote investment opportunities in Digbeth
Redevelopment Plans Submitted for Landmark Jewellery Quarter Site
West Midlands targets £19bn worth of regeneration through trailblazing new platform
Lendlease announces new Joint Venture with The Crown Estate
Court Collaboration have appointed Midgard Ltd to lead the £145 million construction of Edition Birmingham
Green Light for Goods Station, Vita Group’s Major Mixed-Use Scheme in Birmingham
Wolverhampton MP reopens former Wolverhampton Royal Hospital
HS2 celebrates first Birmingham tunnel breakthrough
Cole Waterhouse break ground at Upper Trinity Street
Outline plans approved for next phase of Smithfield Riverside in Shrewsbury
Apartment Buildings Unveiled at £112m Belgrave Village in Central Birmingham
Plans for a ‘once-in-a-generation’ reboot of Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre have taken a major step forward
The University of Warwick to partner with Kier to deliver ambitious STEM Connect Programme
Demolition work starts as part of Spon End Regeneration Scheme
Aston University awarded £35.5m grant to accelerate transformation to Net Zero campus by 2028
Bruntwood SciTech marks completion of £4.5m transformation of iconic Centre City
Planning application submitted for Mell Square regeneration
World’s tallest energy-positive tower planned for Birmingham
Lendlease secures approval for landmark mixed-use building at Smithfield Birmingham
Building Brum: Midlands Update
Hosted by Arup | April 1st | 12.30
Building Brum is proud to launch the first Midlands Update, bringing together leading influencers, developers, and investors from across the region for an in-depth discussion on the region’s transformation.
The West Midlands is undergoing an economic revolution, with multi-million-pound investments reshaping its industrial, residential, and commercial landscapes. From Smithgate in Wolverhampton to Upper Trinity Street in Digbeth, the region is experiencing unprecedented growth and significant investment. Birmingham’s ever-increasing demand for office space reflects its status as a thriving business hub, while Stephen Knight’s vision is transforming Digbeth into a major hub for film and creative industries.
This April, we will hear from the placemakers behind the strategic planning, investment, and development of the West Midlands.
Hosted by Arup and chaired by James Watts Director and Birmingham Office Leader
Special guest speakers:
Ian Martin – Director of Commercial and Investment - West Midlands Combined
AuthorityBasit Ali – Development Director - MUSE
Tristan Chatfield - Associate Director - Cavendish
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the forces shaping growth and the
opportunities ahead for the region.
The Building Brum series is kindly sponsored by Solus, CAVENDISH , ScanTech Digital, Arup, Careys, APIC Limited, Eh Smith Architectural Solutions and Sunbelt Rentals.
Due to strict sponsorship conditions and venue capacity, ticket restrictions are in place and apply to manufacturers, suppliers, recruiters and sales representatives.
International Women’s Day with MUSE Midlands
In this special International Women’s Day episode of Building Brum, we sit down with the team at MUSE Midlands to discuss the progress, challenges, and future of gender inclusivity in the built environment.
Joining us for this conversation are Lisa Turley, Jonathan Ashcroft, Elliot Sellars, Cate Howe, Marcus Harrington, Laura Lucock and Sara Luhar. Together, we explore what an inclusive workplace looks like, the impact of having a female Managing Director at the helm, and whether the industry is doing enough to support women.
We also dive into personal experiences of challenging gender stereotypes, the figures who inspire our guests, and the barriers that still need breaking down. What advice do they have for the next generation of women entering property and construction? And what challenges lie ahead for the industry as it continues to evolve?
Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
Hartwell unveils £100 million Phoenix Yard regeneration plans for former ironworks site in Digbeth
Walsall's Renaissance: Working together to transform the Black Country
We’re joined by key figures behind Walsall’s Renaissance — and exploring how major regeneration and investment across the Black Country is creating positive change.
Special Guests:
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader of Walsall Council, has been instrumental in shaping the borough’s £1.5 billion regeneration programme.
Neil Smith, Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat, leads on housing regeneration in Willenhall.
Simon Raiye, Head of Midlands Region for HBD, a national multi-sector development company delivering transformative urban regeneration projects.
Together, they are playing vital roles in reshaping Walsall’s future. We’ll dive into the council’s ambitious borough-wide investment strategy, including key infrastructure, housing, and economic development initiatives aimed at creating jobs, new homes, and enhanced public spaces.
Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
Wavensmere Homes Starts Work at £150m Wolverhampton Canalside South
Edgbaston granted permission for hotel and stand redevelopment
Hosted by Northspring | Temple Street
In this special episode of Building Brum, we’re joined by seven guests from across the construction industry who are taking on an incredible challenge this March—trekking and dog-sledding 180km across the Arctic Circle to raise money for charity.
Amidst their intense training schedules, Scott Lydon, Rachael Fahey, Simon Jesson, Paul Davis, Emma Sculthorp, Anthony Watson, and Andrew Foster share their motivations for embarking on this seven-day journey through the frozen Arctic wilderness. More than just an adventure, this challenge pushes them beyond the comforts of modern living with no electricity, no running water and temperatures as low as -20 — all in support of a great cause.
Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
Building Brum: The Briefing
Out of the ground at Great Charles Street
Hosted by John Sisk, Careys and Michael J. Gallagher
The Briefings series showcases some of the most exciting developments reshaping Birmingham and the Midlands. Bringing together insights from project teams—including Quantity Surveyors, Architects, BIM Managers, Project Directors, and Clients—each session delves into the story behind transformative projects redefining the city skyline.
This month, we focus on one of Birmingham’s most complex and ambitious developments: Great Charles Street by MODA. Join us as we hear from the project team leading this £260 million, state-of-the-art scheme, which will deliver 722 apartments and transform a key gateway to the Jewellery Quarter.
Special guest speakers:
Tom Wraight, Regional Director at Careys
Alastair D. Maciver Managing Director at Michael J. Gallagher Contractors Ltd
Jonathan Stackhouse Preconstruction Director John Sisk and Son
Steve Rogers Project Director John Sisk and Son
The Building Brum series is kindly sponsored by Solus, CAVENDISH , ScanTech Digital, Arup, Careys, APIC Limited, Eh Smith Architectural Solutions and Sunbelt Rentals.
Due to sponsorship conditions and venue capacity, ticket restrictions are in place and apply to manufacturers, suppliers, recruiters and sales representatives.
Caddick Wins £43m Contract For Digbeth Regeneration Scheme
Investing in Birmingham: Bruntwood SciTech's vision for growth and delivery
Joining us on the Building Brum podcast today is one of Birmingham’s rising stars, Moe Ali, Associate Director and asset management lead for Bruntwood SciTech Birmingham portfolio. We had the pleasure of speaking with Moe about Bruntwood SciTech’s ambitious vision for growth and its commitment to investing in Birmingham. Exploring their plans for 2025 and beyond, we discuss the steps being taken to create citywide innovation ecosystems. From Cornerblock to Enterprise Wharf, we delve into Bruntwood SciTech’s journey to drive investment and foster growth in the UK’s second city.
Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
Greener days ahead: Planning approved for Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Multi-million-pound funding package to create thousands of jobs at Coventry and Warwick Gigapark
Cavendish completes UK coverage with acquisition of Deryn Consulting in Wales
Turbocharging Wolverhampton's Economic Growth
This December special guests James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes; Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs, and Skills and Rebecca Bennett-Casserly, Corporate Director of Development at Walsall Housing Group (whg) explore how Wolverhampton is driving economic growth through ambitious housing developments and regeneration projects.
The City of Wolverhampton is leading the way with multi-million-pound investments in social housing and partnerships with major developers to deliver thousands of new homes. Tune in to discover what’s fueling investment, boosting confidence, and transforming the city’s construction landscape.
Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
The Devolution White Paper: Putting Policy into Practice
Hosted by Cavendish - 12th December 11am
Estilo Interiors appointed to major refurbishment scheme designed by Associated Architects at 35 Newhall Street
£25m of homes completed at Wavensmere Homes’ Belgrave Village in Birmingham this November
Quilter Cheviot selects Paradise for its new Birmingham Office
Luxury residential market trends with Fabric and Solus
Ryan Bennett, Managing Director of Solus, and James Hughes, Founding Director of Fabric Design & Build, join the Building Brum podcast to discuss their grand designs and the evolving market trends shaping the region. They delve into the rise of luxury, high-end residential projects across the Midlands, exploring the factors driving this growth. The conversation also highlights how Birmingham and the wider West Midlands are capitalising on opportunities created by London's land values.
Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
Cordia UK has announced planning approval of a first-of-its-kind shared living scheme in Birmingham
Build yourself, build your business, build Birmingham with Mike Lally
Mike Lally, Project Manager, Founding Director, and Entrepreneur, joins the Building Brum podcast to discuss what it’s like running a business in Birmingham. Mike and his team at Cadence are pivotal to some of the city’s most ambitious projects, including Digbeth’s latest regeneration led by Steven Knight and Stanhope, featuring a new film studio and the iconic MasterChef set.
As the founder of Cadence—a true Birmingham startup success story—Mike shares insights on launching a business, securing projects, and building a team in the UK's first city Birmingham.
Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
British Council for Offices and Building Brum: BBC Birmingham
Join the BCO Midlands and Building Brum for a special event exploring the journey of bringing the BBC to Digbeth. Join us for breakfast with developers Stofords and Master planners Howells followed by a trip to the site to hear from the onsite project team: contactors BAM and delivery architects BDP.
The discussion will begin with Storford’s Director Gerard Ludlow and Howells Partner Sandeep Shambi and be followed by an onsite talk from BDP Project Architect Michael Duff and BAM Construction Manager David Hartley as they bring the latest Digbeth landmark the life.
Special guest panellists:
Sandeep Shambi - Partner - Howells
Gerard Ludlow- Director - Stoford
Michael Duff – Architect Associate Director - BDP
David Hartley - Construction Manager - BAM
Plans submitted for new sustainable urban neighbourhood at Goods Station
Rainier submit regeneration proposals for historic Coventry site
HS2’s Interchange Station takes step forward with bridge progress
City of Wolverhampton Council and ECF set to unveil the proposed regeneration masterplan for City Centre West designed by Howells
Elevate Property Group Celebrates Topping Out of Chapman's Yard: 112-Apartment Development in Birmingham City Centre
Birmingham’s tallest building ‘Tops Out’
Placemaking through regeneration on the Building Brum podcast with Lendlease, Arup, Howells and Careys
As the city and regions grow, so must the communities within them. On today's podcast we explore the importance of regeneration from Great Charles Street to One Centenary Way. The session will focus on what needs to happen within the built environment sector to enhance and create communities through major regeneration projects across the region.
Event Chair: Sandi Rhys Jones OBE – Immediate Past President of The Chartered Institute of Building
Special guest speakers:
Dav Bansal - Partner - Howells
Alison Kilby – Associate Director and Midlands Workplace Advisory Lead at Arup.
Selina Mason - Director of Masterplanning & Strategic Design - Lendlease
Tom Wraight MCIOB - Regional Director – Careys
Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
KPF Unveils University of Birmingham 2045 Campus Vision
Building Brum: experts ponder impact of urban development
West Midlands to return to UKREiiF in 2025
ISG awarded the first phase of construction works for the restoration and redevelopment of Moseley Road Baths and Balsall Heath library
Wavensmere Homes submits plans for £150m Wolverhampton Canalside South Scheme
People, Planet and Place with IM Properties
We caught up with IM Properties Group Sustainability Director Andrew Swain. Andy is a chartered environmentalist with over 20 years of experience and joined IM Properties in 2022 to drive the implementation and delivery of the businesses ‘Sustainable Futures’ strategy focused around its three pillars of People, Planet and Place. In addition to delivering sustainable futures, he works closely with delivery partners to ensure that the principles of sustainable development and net zero construction are delivered across IM Properties property portfolio, industrial and logistics developments and residential projects. We discuss the ambition that is required to deliver developments that are fit for the future.
Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
Building Brum with Midlands Manufacturers APIC UK Ltd
This summer the construction community is coming together to remember a very loved industry colleague Ben Burton
#BeMoreBen
Project Update: Hockley Mills, Birmingham
Take a tour around Hockley Mills with Sir Robert McAlpine Quantity Surveyor, Sam Davey, and watch drone footage captured by ScanTech Digital of the development.
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