Construction work has begun on the first phase of Birmingham City University’s (www.bcu.ac.uk/business/steam/steamhouse) new creative innovation centre.

The £3.5 million STEAMhouse project will include the refurbishment of a former car dealership in the Digbeth area to house the new centre and ‘maker space’.

By connecting the arts with the STEM subject areas (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), STEAMhouse will give 200 sole traders, start-ups and local businesses access to expertise and finance for growth.

A second phase will see the development of incubation and office spaces, teaching facilities and artists’ studios.

Due to open in early 2018, STEAMhouse’s first phase will bring together academics, entrepreneurs, designers and ‘makers’. It will house substantial fabrication facilities.

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Arts Council England, STEAMhouse will drive innovation and research to create business solutions that fuel long-term economic growth.

Clayton Shaw, STEAMhouse programme manager, said: “There is a growing trend recognising the value of art and the impact it can make when combined with digital technology, engineering and the sciences.

"We look forward to working across the STEAM disciplines and connecting businesses with the university to apply this new way of working for longer-term benefits across the region, as well as nationally and internationally.”