Birmingham City University

Birmingham’s 121-year-old Belmont Works factory will undergo a transformation to become the new home for the STEAMhouse initiative at Birmingham City University. The development is being carried out by Bowmer and Kirkland, and Peter Marshall Steel Stairs were asked to supply a number of steel stairs, landing and balustrades.

The Belmont Factory was originally built in 1899 as the headquarters of the Eccles Rubber and Cycle Company. It has been derelict since there was major fire damage to the building in 2007. The new development aims to drive innovation and growth by connecting traditional STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) with the arts.

The new STEAMhouse initiative will provide a space for groups to collaborate on projects and business ideas. The site is next to Birmingham City University’s expanded city centre campus. Bowmer and Kirkland’s work will include an overall the building and a reconstruction of the 88 foot high water tower.

Once the building is complete it will provide access to office space, training and teaching facilities, as well as Digital Innovation Hub. This provides opportunities for entrepreneurs and start-up businesses with shared office space and facilities.  It is hoped that the site will help small businesses create and launch new and innovative products.

Funding for the project has come from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership and the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy. Bringing new life into this historic building will continue the regeneration of Birmingham’s Eastside. It is another important step in bringing investment to that area of the city and preparing it for further development.

The STEAMhouse is an exciting opportunity for students at Birmingham City University, and businesses that will be supported by the new facilities. As part of the development Peter Marshall Steel Stairs supplied the following:

• A circulation steel stair comprising of 4 flights with 2 half shaped landings, including balustrade and wall rail
• An escape (external) stair comprising of 5 flights and various landings with steel balustrades
• Additional internal and external staircases with steel balustrades and wall rail
• 3 CAT ladders galvanised
• Extra steel balustrades for other aspects