Birmingham council is to spend £40m on four new buildings at Birmingham Science Park in Aston (pictured).

The 117,272 sq ft development will form the first part of a new Innovation Village, which will focus on IT research and development, under plans launched at the MIPIM conference in Cannes today.

The largest building will total 46,069 sq ft and is being named iCentrum. This will be connected to three smaller buildings via a ground-level colonnade walkway.

Dr David Hardman, managing director of the Science Park, said: “The development of our new Innovation Village will be the cornerstone of our plans to build Birmingham Science Park Aston’s global reputation through the next decade.

“We are owned by Birmingham City Council, but we also look to work in partnership with the Council to help shape and drive its innovation agenda within the Big City Plan.”

Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council and chairman of the Science Park, said: “I am determined to see it grow and become an even more successful story, akin to other Council-owned assets like the NEC.”

Design images of the new development can be seen below:

• Birmingham advances consolidation plans ahead of general election
• New masterplan for Brum city centre (video)
• Public Profile: Birmingham City Council
• High Speed 2 sends Birmingham back to drawing board
• Birmingham £1.5m Golden Square plans submitted