Barwood Capital buys into £30m student scheme on the Hagley Road

Leading UK-based real estate investment and development firm, Barwood Capital (“Barwood”) has acquired a £30m student scheme on the Hagley Road in Edgbaston, Birmingham through its Regional Property Growth Fund V. The acquisition was made in partnership with Dudley Taylor Ltd and specialist student housing developer, Cassidy Group, marking Barwood’s first foray into student housing.

The development is located at the site of the former St Chads Hospital, originally built in 1808. A detailed planning consent exists to retain and refurbish the Grade II listed buildings with a further three buildings constructed to create a village-style campus, including 80 cluster rooms, 133 studios (12 of which are accessible) and 13 apartments. The scheme will include extensive amenities including a large gym and exercise studio, 29-seat cinema, communal kitchen with hosting facilities, external courtyards and seating areas, together with 24/7 reception, on-site laundry, high-speed Wifi and numerous break-out and study areas.

The development will also have strong sustainability credentials, targeting BREEAM Excellent by incorporating Utopi smart building systems, heightened insulative U-Values, extensive photovoltaics and sustainable drainage systems. Construction is already well underway, with Practical completion forecast for Summer 2026.

The scheme will sit between City Centre (including Aston and Birmingham City Universities) and the University of Birmingham in Selly Oak. It is also a five-minute walk from Birmingham City University South Campus, just south of the Hagley Road.

The news comes as a recent Birmingham City Council report stated demand for student housing is expected to increase by 12% between 2022/2023 and 2027/2028.

Edward Henson, Director at Barwood Capital, said:

“Barwood is delighted to be teaming up with funding partner, Dudley Taylor and the Cassidy Group for delivery of this exciting scheme.

“It is hugely satisfying to re-cycle these heritage assets; bringing them back to life. The accommodation will help meet growing demand in the city for modern, purpose-built student accommodation as well as free up traditional residential properties for families looking to move to the area.

“The design, construction and operation of St Chads all seek to deliver a strong sense of community and inclusivity, amongst the residents.

James Cassidy, Director at Cassidy Group added:

“Having secured detailed planning consent for the scheme, Cassidy Group are now looking forward to the delivery stage, and being able to create a best-in-class student facility to serve the Birmingham student community.”