Our Capital Markets team in Birmingham, led by Simon Robinson and Hapri Yorke-Brooks, represented Aston University in the £25m acquisition of the freehold of 10 Woodcock Street, Birmingham. The 197,000 sq ft building, previously owned by Birmingham City Council, was originally developed as the council’s main administrative headquarters but had become surplus to requirements due to changing working patterns.
Our Approach
The property’s location, adjacent to Aston University, presented a strategic opportunity for the university to expand its medical and business faculties. We led the negotiation process for the freehold purchase, securing a favourable outcome for our client. In addition, our planning team, led by Kevin Hunt from the Bristol National Planning team, secured planning consent to allow the building to be used for educational purposes, in addition to its existing office use.
Results Achieved
We successfully completed the £25m freehold acquisition of the building and secured planning consent to enable mixed-use of the property for educational and office purposes. We also delivered a cost-effective and strategically valuable property acquisition for Aston University’s expansion plans.
Added Value for the Client
Our comprehensive approach ensured Aston University not only acquired a property ideally suited for its expansion needs but also benefited from our expert planning advice. The purchase allowed the university to secure a prominent, adjacent site, supporting their long-term growth objectives. Additionally, our ongoing relationship with the university has led to further collaboration, including planning advice for a 48-acre recreation site in Walsall and development options for a campus car park site.
This deal highlights our expertise in capital markets, strategic property acquisitions, and planning services, showcasing our ability to deliver value and long-term solutions for educational institutions.
