The first phase of the Eastside Locks regeneration has been handed over and renamed after educational reformist Joseph Priestley.

6 Cardigan Street, which will provide a home to Birmingham City University (BCU) support staff, has been renamed The Joseph Priestley Building in remembrance of the man who advocated moving education away from classical lessons towards more practical learning.

The name was chosen after BCU signed a lease for the grade A office space and staff were invited to give the facility a new moniker.

Around 400 employees will be based in the building, next to BCU's new city centre campus in Curzon Street, from September.

It is part of the wider Eastside Locks regeneration scheme which will comprise 1.25 million sq ft of new offices, public realm, student flats and a revamp of the historic yet run down former Belmont Works cycle factory for a new complex at 8 Cardigan Street.

Work on this phase is due to start later this year.

Eastside Locks also sits on the doorstep of the new HS2 terminal which is due to open in 2026.

James Raven, Goodman's development director for UK business parks, said: "Goodman's collaboration with Birmingham City University goes from strength to strength.

"We are delighted the university chose 6 Cardigan Street at Eastside Locks and, as it continues to grow, this is the ideal place for connecting the institution's talent with both the booming start-up scene and with larger businesses that are looking to escape the rising costs of London.

"The completion of the first phase of Eastside Locks is a really exciting milestone for us."

BCU's vice-chancellor Professor Cliff Allan added: "The face of Eastside is very different compared to ten years ago.

"There is significant investment coming into the area, which is accelerating its transformation.

"As a university, we are proving our commitment to continuing this with the ongoing expansion of our city centre campus, including the lease of The Joseph Priestley Building."

Goodman is delivering Eastside Locks in partnership with Birmingham City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency.