WORK BEGINS ON £24M STUDENT ACCOMMODATION SCHEME IN BIRMINGHAM

GMI Construction Group PLC has joined forces with repeat client, Alumno, on another student accommodation scheme, this time in Birmingham.

The £24m scheme, the third major project GMI has undertaken with Alumno, after jobs in Manchester and Leeds, kicked-off in style with a ground-breaking ceremony attended by dignitaries from either side of the partnership as the relationship grows from strength-to-strength in key regions of the UK.

Attended by Joint Divisional Managing Directors Andy Bruce and Gareth Jones, Construction Director Jonathan Walsh, Project Manager Jack Carey and Alumno Managing Director David Campbell as well as the wider site team, the development will house the growing number of students attending local universities and the city’s dental hospital.

Expected to be completed in time for the 2024 student intake, GMI were appointed by student residential specialists Alumno to construct the state-of-the-art development. The new building, which will be designed by Glenn Howells Architects, will comprise a mix of cluster beds and single occupancy studio rooms for 167 residents.

Gareth Jones, Joint Divisional Managing Director at GMI Construction Group, is delighted to be collaborating with Alumno on yet another exciting project.

“We have built a close relationship with our long-standing client Alumno, and we continue to develop an extensive understanding of their requirements with each project we collaborate on,” said Gareth.

“Within walking distance of the universities and dental hospital, this will be a landmark construction for the Stirchley District of Birmingham, and once complete, it will be a big boost for the area.

“It is the third project we have undertaken in collaboration with Alumno, having last year completed the Church Inn development in Manchester as well as working alongside them on the Whitelock Street scheme in Leeds.

“We’re proud to add another project to our growing portfolio in conjunction with Alumno, and it is a development which underlines our versatility in constructing a wide range of builds.”

Incorporating brickwork and terracotta detailing, the building will reflect a series of key landmarks in the area, including the red brick Selly Park Church and Dogpool Lane Hotel.

The scheme will provide an improved retail space for the site’s original post office and newsagent outlet, which has been relocated close by during construction. There will also be an enhanced public area in front of the building, with the development close to bus, rail and cycle networks, making it an attractive residence for students.

Alumno Managing Director David Campbell said: “Our development will improve the local area visually, provide an economic boost to local businesses, and deliver much needed accommodation for Birmingham’s student population.

“As with all our developments, we have worked closely with the surrounding community and local authority to ensure the scheme enhances this vibrant area.”