Knowledge quarter welcomes company behind £360m plans for the world’s first mixed-use net zero development

Knowledge quarter welcomes company behind £360m plans for the world’s first mixed-use net zero developmentThe property and investment company behind £360m plans for the world’s first mixed-use, net zero carbon ready development in Birmingham has thrown its weight behind the growth of the city’s technology and innovation quarter.Woodbourne Group has joined the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter to reflect its commitment to the area where it plans to build three towers on a brownfield site as part of its Curzon Wharf development.The masterplan development of almost one million square feet is expected to boost the Birmingham economy by at least £151m and create more than 1,000 jobs.The hybrid plans have been designed after five years of consultation with Birmingham City Council and a team of regeneration and built-environment specialists.The Birmingham Knowledge Quarter (B-KQ) has members including HS2, Birmingham City University, Aston University and Bruntwood.Tani Dulay, chief executive of Birmingham-based Woodbourne Group, said: “The Birmingham Knowledge Quarter is a vital fusion of learning, innovation, entrepreneurialism, experimentation and urban cultural expression.“I am therefore very pleased to announce that Woodbourne Group has joined the B-KQ and I look forward to Curzon Wharf playing a key role in promoting the region as a thriving, knowledge-based business community.”Dr David Hardman, strategic partnership adviser at Bruntwood SciTech and chair of the B-KQ Alliance, welcomed Woodbourne Group as a member of the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter (B-KQ).He said: “The Birmingham Knowledge Quarter is a connected place-based organisation that catalyses knowledge gain, exchange and application to promote aspiration in those learning, researching and working in or engaging with the Quarter. It will drive the creation of innovation, and knowledge-led economic value for the city region.“I am therefore delighted to welcome Woodbourne Group, the developers behind the ambitious Curzon Wharf development, to the B-KQ. Connected places such as Curzon Wharf will drive the innovation chemistry as we look to the knowledge economies to drive recovery. New competencies need to be incorporated into the mix to support the new industries to reignite and then sustain local momentum. Today that means competencies largely underpinned by digital talent. If this is achieved the city can again become an innovation engine.”