AMBITIOUS plans to deliver a world-class HealthTech Campus and focal point for the region’s thriving HealthTech sector are pressing ahead.
The University of Warwick, Arden Cross Ltd and developer Muse, have reached agreement to enter Head of Terms for the project.
Part of the wider Arden Cross regeneration opportunity, facilitated by the HS2 Interchange in Solihull, the new campus which will bring together the University, NHS, private providers, and industry to support pioneering new start-ups and scale-ups to enter the NHS and global markets.
The new agreement will also deliver a range of community benefits including supporting local health and wellbeing through access to cutting edge medical research and technology.
Arden Cross in Solihull is said to bringing together connectivity and innovation to drive economic growth to the region.
The £3.2billion Arden Cross project will deliver jobs and thousands of new homes, shops, offices, and public spaces and will also include an Innovation District, anchored by the new Campus.
Taking advantage of the significant public investment, which is being made in HS2, the opportunity is facilitated by the new Interchange Station, as well as established connectivity via the West Coast Main Line and Birmingham Airport.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Arden Cross is a priority growth project for me and the region. It’s pivotal to delivering the business investment and the jobs that we need.
“But we must move faster because complex projects can often take a long time to commence and there is now an urgency for delivery. That’s why I will be working closely with our local councils, investment partners and Government to unlock delivery and attract thousands of new jobs and homes for our local communities.
“Accelerating the development of the HealthTech Campus will create more high-quality employment, build on our competitive advantage, and help improve the lives – and health – of people across the region and beyond.”
Professor Stuart Croft, vice-chancellor at The University of Warwick, said: “The ambition of the Campus is closely aligned with both the UK’s Industrial Strategy and NHS transformation plans. It has the potential to drive significant value for the UK economy and health system.
“As the lead academic partner, The University of Warwick will support the delivery of the Campus and enable collaboration between the NHS, private providers, and industry. We will now be able to accelerate our work, alongside Muse and other partners, deepening our regional leadership and impact.”
Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, said: “UK Central Solihull and the West Midlands already hosts an established and growing HealthTech cluster, including the largest network of medical technology companies in the UK.
“The Arden Cross HealthTech Campus has the potential to really boost this already thriving sector, leveraging our prime location, unrivalled infrastructure, and broad skills base to create opportunities for our communities and further drive economic growth.”
