Innovation Birmingham unveils cutting-edge SMART building project

Bruntwood SciTech has unveiled its latest achievement with the completion of a state-of-the-art 120,000 sq ft SMART building at Innovation Birmingham, a thriving hub dedicated to technology and digital innovation. This cutting-edge facility offers a versatile range of workspace solutions, including co-working spaces, serviced offices, and larger leased office spaces.

Named “Enterprise Wharf,” this ten-storey marvel has been meticulously designed to provide a tech-enabled environment that prioritizes user experience and well-being, while also focusing on sustainability by reducing emissions and operational costs. Enterprise Wharf boasts an impressive SMART building infrastructure that facilitates over 90 unique user experiences throughout its structure.

At the core of this SMART building are advanced technologies, including ‘internet of things’ sensors, strategically embedded to create a dynamic ‘central nervous system.’ This system provides real-time insights into people flow, energy consumption, and temperature variations across different workspace areas.

To minimize the building’s environmental footprint, Demand Side Response technology has been seamlessly integrated to adjust electricity usage in real-time. This capability allows the building to respond to grid stress or network operator price signals by implementing alternative energy sources or reducing electricity consumption, ensuring sustainable and cost-effective power utilization. In addition, the building leverages air source heat pumps and solar panels to align with its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives.

The SMART building also offers a range of amenities, including an open-plan reception and collaborative workspace, secure bicycle storage, electric vehicle charging stations, showers, and a serene private rooftop garden. Serving as a gateway to Birmingham city center, Enterprise Wharf represents a forward-thinking, eco-conscious, and technologically advanced addition to the region’s business landscape.

Rob Valentine, regional director at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “Birmingham is playing an increasingly vital role in the UK economy as an incubator for innovative businesses across the digital, tech and life science sectors. There is huge potential for further inward investment and growth here, and Enterprise Wharf is uniquely positioned to capitalise on that and support those businesses looking to drive this growth.

“We know that fast-growing tech firms thrive when located within supportive and like-minded clusters such as Innovation Birmingham, where they can access a wealth of specialist expertise, as well as academic expertise and highly skilled talent from Aston University. 

“Birmingham and the wider West Midlands forms a key pillar of Bruntwood SciTech’s strategic focus and, with our new investment, we will continue to provide and increase much-needed infrastructure and support for the growth of the science, tech and broader innovation sector.”

The successful completion of Enterprise Wharf marks a significant milestone for Innovation Birmingham, as it effectively doubles the capacity of this vibrant hub. Currently, Innovation Birmingham is home to over 120 startups, scale-ups, and global businesses, spanning various cutting-edge sectors such as fintech, cybersecurity, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), blockchain, sports tech, edtech, and numerous other technology and digital sub-sectors.

This achievement comes on the heels of Bruntwood SciTech’s recent announcement, where they proudly revealed their ability to secure an additional £500 million of investment. In this development, they’ve also welcomed a new partner to the venture, the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF), who joins the ranks of existing partners Bruntwood and Legal & General. This substantial injection of capital and the addition of GMPF further solidify Bruntwood SciTech’s commitment to driving innovation and growth within the region.

Councillor John Cotton, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The completion of Enterprise Wharf is a significant milestone and the beginning of a new chapter as Birmingham strives to be a leading international city.

“Our city has a proud history of invention, research and development and both the Birmingham Innovation (B-IQ) and Knowledge Quarters will build on that tradition, becoming a space where globally-recognised innovation, the brightest talent and most exciting businesses and cultural institutions come together.

“Investment from the Local Growth Fund has made the vision and ambitions of Bruntwood SciTech through the delivery of Enterprise Wharf into reality and one that continues to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Birmingham and the wider region.”