Mercia Real Estate (MRE) has received the green light for the second phase of its ambitious £45 million student living development in the heart of Birmingham. Located at 12 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, the project will expand Haüs by adding 129 new units, bringing the total to 395 beds.
This follows MRE’s initial £32 million investment to convert a 95,000 sq ft former HSBC office building into 266 student beds. The first phase is set for practical completion by June, ready to welcome students for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Haüs offers a mix of classic and premium accommodation options, ranging from shared flats with private bathrooms and communal living areas to luxury self-contained studios. The development is designed to function like a members’ club, featuring amenities such as a gym, juice bar, cinema room, karaoke room, games room, content creation studio, private study zones, and an exclusive dining room for social gatherings.
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Samuel Clark, CEO of Mercia Real Estate, stated, “Redeveloping existing buildings aligns perfectly with our value-add strategy. We’re thrilled to showcase Haüs’s beautifully designed show apartments and look forward to welcoming students this September to experience its high-end and unique features.”
The building will be managed by Yugo, a global PBSA operator recently appointed by MRE. Nick Sweeney, city manager at Yugo, commented, “Haüs exemplifies thoughtful reuse with a strong student focus and outstanding amenities. We’re excited to bring Yugo’s student-first approach to Birmingham and support Mercia Real Estate’s expanding portfolio.”
Simon Dekker, senior relationship director at Paragon Bank, highlighted the project’s broader impact: “This development illustrates how partnerships among developers, lenders, and landowners can transform existing buildings into vibrant communities that support Birmingham’s education sector and regeneration goals. We’re proud to contribute to Edgbaston’s growth and look forward to funding future initiatives that positively benefit the city and region.”