Work has begun on a £60 million project to restore a historic Birmingham building to house an innovation centre for artists, academics and industry to collaborate.
The Belmont Works factory, which dates back 120 years, will undergo a transformation to become the new home of Birmingham City University's STEAMhouse initiative.
The centre, the first phase of which opened in Digbeth in 2018, aims to drive innovation and economic growth by connecting traditional STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and maths) with the arts.
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It will provide a platform for individuals and groups to collaborate on new projects or business ideas, alongside the latest academic thinking and teaching.
Belmont Works was built in 1899 and was originally used for the manufacture of bicycle parts by Eccles Rubber and Cycle Company since when it has adopted a number of uses including a factory for linen clothing, bedsteads and pianos.
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Latterly, it was an engineering depot and offices for the Co-operative Society from around the 1960s but was gutted by a fire in 2007 since when it has stood derelict.
The site is next to BCU's expanding city centre campus, built to replace its now defunct former home in Perry Barr, the planned HS2 terminal and trade union Unite's new conference centre.
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Contractors Bowmer + Kirkland will carry out the work, which will see an overhaul of the building, including an extension behind its iconic façade and a full-scale reconstruction of its 88-foot high water tower.
Once complete, the STEAMhouse site will provide access to new skills, business support and commercial space, alongside start-of-the-art facilities and technology to help small businesses to create and launch new products and ideas.
Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) has helped fund the project through £1 million of Local Growth Funding and £14 million from the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, also managed by the LEP.
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BCU's deputy vice-chancellor Julian Beer said: "It is fantastic news that it is now full steam ahead in the transformation of this historic building which continues our regeneration in Birmingham's Eastside.
"This is the latest step in creating a real vibrant learning and creative quarter in this part of the city, which is already seeing major investment to pave the way for the arrival of HS2 and the Midland Metro tramline.
"This is not just about restoring an iconic part of Birmingham's history, but is about preparing the city for its future development by creating new businesses and collaborations which will underpin growth in our region."
Chris Loughran, deputy chairman for delivery at the LEP, added: "The transformation of derelict and unused sites such as this are fundamental to the ongoing regeneration of both the city and the wider region.
"This represents a really exciting step for STEAMhouse, and for the businesses that will be supported by the facilities."