Woodbourne Group Unveils £4bn Innovation Superhub to Rival London and Cambridge
Woodbourne Group announces formal launch of Birmingham Knowledge Quarter (B-KQ)—a landmark 210-hectare Innovation District set to rival London’s Knowledge Quarter and the Oxford–Cambridge Arc.
Backed by the UK Government as a designated Investment Zone, Birmingham Knowledge Quarter is set to deliver 580,000 sq m of cutting-edge commercial space focused on life sciences, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. It will unlock £4 billion in private sector investment, create over 22,000 high-value jobs, and deliver 4,800 new homes—driving inclusive growth at scale. Strategically anchored next to HS2’s Curzon Street station, B-KQ connects Birmingham to London in just 49 minutes, establishing a new national innovation corridor at the heart of the UK economy.
Woodbourne Group is driving the vision and momentum behind Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, supported by a powerful quadruple helix partnership with Aston University, Birmingham City University, Bruntwood SciTech, and Birmingham City Council.
Tani Dulay, CEO of Woodbourne Group said: “Birmingham Knowledge Quarter is recognised by the UK Government as a nationally significant innovation district—and it has every hallmark of a world-class investment destination. With globally ranked universities, a young, diverse talent pipeline, and unrivalled connectivity via HS2—the ‘Innovation Line’—we’re creating a faster, more cost-effective alternative to London, Cambridge and global tech hubs.
This isn’t just about competing—it’s about leading a new generation of innovation districts: more inclusive, more agile, and built for the industries shaping our future, in one location.”
During the launch Jo Birch, Woodbourne’s Chief Innovation Officer highlighted “Birmingham Knowledge Quarter is where global ambition meets grounded opportunity — driving life sciences and digital breakthroughs, and offering investors access to world-class talent, infrastructure and partnerships at the heart of the UK’s most connected city. We’re accelerating discovery to impact — making Birmingham a prime destination for future-focused investment.”
Anchored in life sciences, digital health, AI and deep tech, B-KQ is purpose-built to accelerate commercialisation, attract global talent and foster inclusive growth. Key delivery highlights include:
- 3.6m sq ft of innovation and commercial space
- 1.1m sq ft of cultural and community assets
- 16 ha of green, pedestrian-friendly public realm
- 4,800 homes, with 15% affordable housing
- Significant tax reliefs for businesses within the zone
B-KQ’s launch represents an open invitation to leading tech companies and research institutions to shape one of Europe’s most ambitious innovation districts. With world-class infrastructure, bold government backing, and a clear vision for inclusive, sustainable growth, B-KQ is poised to become the UK’s most future-focused urban innovation ecosystem.
