7/8/2025
M Chelmsley Wood proudly welcomes renowned College of Food
"University College Birmingham is renowned worldwide for exceptional training in hospitality, so we’re absolutely delighted it has chosen M Chelmsley Wood as the home of its brand-new culinary school and eatery. This is an exciting new addition for both the scheme and the local community, and we can’t wait to experience the food when they are open later in the year.”
Rob Ellis, Director at LCP, part of M Core,
LCP, part of M Core is excited to welcome University College Birmingham’s globally renowned College of Food to M Chelmsley Wood in Solihull.
Due to open in September 2025, eligible local adults and young people will have the chance to train, upskill and begin a career in the hospitality sector, with the opening the University’s latest culinary school and informal eatery.
Situated in M Chelmsley Wood shopping centre, the 3,264 sq ft purpose-built culinary school has signed a 10-year lease. It will offer fully funded courses which will suit those at the beginning of their careers or refresh those with existing experience and skills.
Rob Ellis, Director at LCP, part of M Core, owners of M Chelmsley Wood, said: "University College Birmingham is renowned worldwide for exceptional training in hospitality, so we’re absolutely delighted it has chosen M Chelmsley Wood as the home of its brand-new culinary school and eatery. This is an exciting new addition for both the scheme and the local community, and we can’t wait to experience the food when they are open later in the year.”
Expert lecturers will provide students with hands-on learning in industry-standard kitchens, where their creativity can really come to life. Members of the public visiting the informal eatery will get to enjoy a seasonal menu created, prepared and served by the students themselves.
The university will offer two ‘Introduction to Hospitality’ courses from the facility consisting of a one-year course for those aged 16-18 and a short course for those aged 19-years and older. More information can be found here.
Rakesh Joshi, Director at LCP, part of M Core, who was closely involved in the letting, added: "We’re thrilled to have played a part in bringing University College Birmingham to M Chelmsley Wood. This marks a significant step forward for the centre, creating new opportunities for local people and adding an exciting educational and culinary offer to the tenant mix. It’s fantastic to see this vision come to life."
Adam Pickett, University College Birmingham's College of Food Interim Head of Department and Chef Lecturer said: "We have exciting plans for the units at Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre. Local adults and young people will have the chance to train, upskill and begin a career in the hospitality sector, right on their doorstep. Visitors to the shopping centre will get to enjoy the fabulous food on offer in the dining area too, so it's win-win!”
The centre benefits from a good representation of national retailers including Peacocks, Home Bargains, Sports Direct, Poundland, Boots, Heron Foods and Iceland. It is also anchored by a 75,000 sq ft Asda. Most recently, the North Solihull Community Diagnostic Centre, a £15 million state of the art facility, was officially opened at M Chelmsley Wood by Stephen Kinnock MP, Shadow Minister for Immigration.
Sophie Faulner completed this transaction on behalf of the landlord.
"University College Birmingham is renowned worldwide for exceptional training in hospitality, so we’re absolutely delighted it has chosen M Chelmsley Wood as the home of its brand-new culinary school and eatery. This is an exciting new addition for both the scheme and the local community, and we can’t wait to experience the food when they are open later in the year.”
Rob Ellis, Director at LCP, part of M Core,
