The University of Warwick has announced its partnership with Arden Cross to establish a pioneering HealthTech Campus. This initiative is part of the expansive £3.2 billion regeneration scheme, the “Innovation District,” strategically located near the HS2 Interchange station in Solihull.

The partnership, which began with a Memorandum of Understanding in 2022, has gained momentum following a Statement of Intent signed alongside the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, and the Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. This agreement outlines a commitment to maximising investment in Arden Cross and distributing the benefits throughout Solihull and the broader West Midlands region.

Aimed at uniting the public, private, and academic sectors, the HealthTech Campus will focus on advancing life sciences. It intends to foster collaborations with industry experts, clinicians, the NHS, and researchers to innovate and implement new health technologies, ultimately enhancing the UK’s healthcare landscape.

Stuart Croft, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick, highlighted the campus’s potential to stimulate growth within the Life Sciences and Medical Technology sector in the West Midlands, adding substantial value to the NHS and the UK healthcare sector overall. “The University of Warwick is already at the forefront of innovation in life sciences,” Croft stated. “The new campus will not only amplify our education and research capabilities but also attract investment and academic partnerships. Located at one of the UK’s most accessible points, Arden Cross represents a remarkable opportunity for generating wide-reaching positive impact and driving sustainable economic growth both regionally and nationally.”

The campus will feature a Digital Health Innovation Hub, offering startups and SMEs crucial access to the NHS and other healthcare providers for early development, testing, trials, and evaluation of their innovations. Additionally, a Medical Technology Evaluation Centre will be established to aid the integration of new devices and technologies into clinical practice.

Muse, a national leader in regeneration, has been appointed by Arden Cross Ltd as the preferred partner for this regeneration project. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, praised the initiative, noting Arden Cross’s potential to become a global business hub. “The University of Warwick’s quick recognition of Arden Cross’s potential underscores our region’s capacity for innovation-driven economic growth,” said Street. “The HealthTech Campus is set to become a core part of our innovation network, supporting the development of key sectors for the UK and fostering a low carbon, high-tech economy that provides numerous opportunities for the local community.”