STEAMhouse

About

STEAMhouse is located in the historic Belmont Works, a grade-A listed heritage building. In 1899, Belmont Works was erected as the headquarters of the Eccles Rubber and Cycle Company. Throughout the decades, the factory accommodated a range of production activities, including the production of linen clothing, bedsteads and pianos. After the building suffered mayor fire damage in 2007 it became derelict and was included on the Victorian Society regional watchlist of endangered buildings. [1;2]

Birmingham City University is giving Belmont Works a new lease on life. Being located in the Knowledge Quarter of Birmingham, on the edge of the BCU City Centre Campus, Belmont Works was a logical spot to relocate the innovation activities previously taking place in Digbeth. In 2023, the renovation was awarded with the Victorian Society’s Birmingham and West Midlands Conservation Award. [1;2]

STEAMhouse is dedicated to cross-fertilization between the five STEAM-disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. The focus on these disciplines resonates with a long-standing tradition of combining artists and engineering in the city, which is even reflected in the city’s coat of arms. At STEAMhouse academics, entrepreneurs, innovators and artists can be inspired and supported in developing unique products and innovative solutions to commercial and societal challenges. [1;3]

The five story complex, covering more than 10.000 square metres, offers coworking spaces for individual entrepreneurs, large organisations and everything in between. It provides teaching spaces for students from the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. There are prototyping facilities, a Digital Innovation Hub, artists’ studios and workshops for metal, print, wood, plastics and digital technologies where in-house technicians are able to provide advice and deliver training. The premises also provides room for a café, meeting rooms, an exhibition space and event spaces. [1]

The mission of STEAMhouse to boost growth and innovation are put in practice through a wealth of support for companies of all sizes, including sole traders and large cooperations. To support entrepreneurs and start-ups, there is the STEAMhouse Incubator. Small and medium sized companies can avail of the STEAMhouse membership programme. Businesses, public and third sector organisations can be  inspired by a range of innovation events, be it one-day or multi-day sessions, or receive dedicated support throughout a project or programme. Moreover, there is a lively programme of (networking) events, workshops, training sessions, presentations and meet-ups. Most of these events are open to all interested parties. [1]

Governance

STEAMhouse is run by Birmingham City University as its innovation centre to support the West Midlands and reinforce the university’s role in the city as the university for Birmingham. [1]

Business Model

Funding of £17.5 million (app. €19.8 million) has been provided by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership and Birmingham City Council for the renovation and redevelopment of Belmont Works, towards a total project cost of £72 million (app. €81.6 million). There was also funding for the business support elements of the project from the European Regional Development Fund and Arts Council England. [3]

From 2023 the business model for the building is built around three categories of activity: Commercial Lettings, Academic (Teaching and Research) and Innovation Services. [1]