Construction of the £18 million Midland Metropolitan Learning Campus in Smethwick has reached the halfway point, marking a major milestone in the development of a ground-breaking health and education hub set to deliver life-changing opportunities for Smethwick and the wider region.
The landmark project is led by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, in partnership with Sandwell Council, Sandwell College, Aston University, and the University of Wolverhampton. It is funded by the Government’s Towns Fund programme, overseen by the Smethwick Partnership Board, with additional co-funding from the NHS Trust and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). Construction is being led by Kier.
Once operational in early 2026 and co-located with the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick, the Learning Campus will become a trailblazing centre of excellence for health and social care education. It will support over 1,200 learners annually, providing clear pathways into high demand careers across the NHS and the broader care sector.
Local leaders, education partners, and Sandwell College learners gathered on-site today to celebrate the construction milestone and highlight the transformational impact the Campus will have for learners today and generations to come. Sandwell College students Tino and Nicole shared their experiences of placements at the hospital and expressed their excitement about the ambitious plans, showcasing the tangible, positive impact the new learning campus will have for local people.
Sir David Nicholson, Chair of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, welcomed guests to the site and praised the strength of collaboration driving the project forward. He said:
“This Campus represents a bold, shared vision for how we invest in people and places. It’s a testament to what’s possible when the NHS, local government, colleges and universities work together with a common purpose: to create opportunity, support our workforce and improve lives.”
The event featured voices from current learners, who spoke passionately about how the new campus will enhance their training and career prospects. Students from Sandwell College shared personal stories and aspirations, describing how access to cutting-edge facilities and on-site NHS placements will bring their learning to life and open doors to real world employment.
Diane Wake, Chief Executive of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, said:
“The Learning Campus is far more than a building – it’s a beacon for how we can reimagine health and education working hand-in-hand. It will support our vision of a sustainable, inclusive workforce and enable residents to see themselves as part of our NHS, not just as patients, but as valued staff, students, and contributors. It brings our ‘More Than a Hospital’ promise to life.
Lisa Capper MBE, CEO & Principal of The Sandwell Colleges, added:
“This pioneering partnership between Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, Sandwell College and Sandwell Council is truly game-changing. Through this initiative, young people aspiring to careers in health and social care can now train in industry-standard facilities with expert teaching.
Learning at the new campus on the hospital site will accelerate their development and strengthen their motivation, helping build the much-needed pipeline of skills across the NHS.
For our community, it means local opportunity, raised aspirations, and real progress. Today, we celebrate how far we’ve come — and the brighter future we’re building together.”
Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council, said:
“Today we mark a significant milestone in the creation of our new Learning Campus – a project that represents not just bricks and mortar but a bold investment in the future of Sandwell.
“This campus is being built with purpose: to create an inclusive, inspiring and innovative environment for learning. Designed for the next generation of students and educators, this is a powerful example of how partnership and investment can come together to deliver real, lasting impact.
“The Learning Campus will be a cornerstone of the Grove Lane masterplan, breathing new life into the area through jobs, skills and employment.”
Construction partner Kier led visitors on a tour of the evolving site, showcasing the scale and ambition of a facility that, once completed, will stand as a beacon of integrated education, employment and community growth.
Tony Shenton, Regional Director for Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, said:
“This project is not just about constructing a new learning campus for us, it’s about building a legacy for the local community. Using our expertise in delivering sustainable state-of-the-art education facilities, we are doing this at every stage of construction. From solar-powered infrastructure and low-carbon travel initiatives to circular waste systems, we have this approach embedded at all points to support Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust’s long-term goal of creating a net-zero facility.”
As the Campus takes shape, momentum continues to build towards its opening and with it, a bold new future for healthcare education and economic inclusion in the West Midlands.
Find out more about the campus here.
