Regeneration of iconic former print works to create sustainable construction skills centre

A sustainable construction skills centre is to be created by University College Birmingham as part of the regeneration of the iconic James Cond print works in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

The new Engineering and Sustainable Construction Centre, set to open next year, will offer state-of-the-art courses and facilities specifically designed to train and upskill learners with skills that support employers and their supply chains.

The refurbishment of the historic art deco building, in the Jewellery Quarter’s Conservation Area, will honour the area’s heritage while providing the city with future skills, employment and training opportunities.

The regeneration project follows University College Birmingham’s refurbishment of Camden House, due for completion in Summer 2022, which will create a bespoke STEM education and training facility.

Together, these projects mark the University’s significant investment of more than £10 million into Birmingham, driving the regeneration of the city and creating leading facilities that will support industry needs and create jobs to drive economic growth.

University College Birmingham plays a key role in the economic, social and cultural growth of Birmingham, and the refurbishment of the James Cond building will unlock new opportunities and potential for the Jewellery Quarter and wider region by improving access to education and working with partners, locally and nationally, to address key regional challenges.

Central to this commitment is supporting the next generation of learners and helping the long-term unemployed develop the skills and expertise to move into meaningful employment. As part of this, the new centre will specialise in courses that support the region’s growth areas, including sustainable construction methods, manufacturing technologies, renewable energy, robotics and cyber and digital skills.

University College Birmingham has also formed a new partnership with the University of Warwick, providing a unique opportunity to design progression opportunities for students across the West Midlands to enter the University on technical courses, and progress through to degree and master’s level courses at the University of Warwick.

This partnership will also help widen access to education and training opportunities, creating clear pathways to employment for learners at all stages of their education.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This is a fantastic investment by University College Birmingham that I cannot wait to see come to life.

“Not only will it help regenerate and breathe new life into the former iconic James Cond print works, but it will also critically help train people in the skills that employers need, helping residents find good quality, long-term work as part of my 100,000 jobs plan.”