Handelsbanken expands regional HQ and signs for a further seven years

Handelsbanken has expanded its Midlands’ regional headquarters in Birmingham by a further 40 per cent and signed a new seven-year lease at Nurton Developments’ Two Colmore Square.

This further commitment to the building follows in the footsteps of other notable lettings at the city centre Grade A offices, including the most recent to Jacobs Engineering – one of the first companies seen to relocate close to the new HS2 Construction headquarters at Two Snowhill.

Rupert Young, development director for Nurton Developments commenting on the bank’s decision to stay says it demonstrates Handelsbanken’s continued commitment to the region, which is encouraging news for the Midlands.

“It’s excellent to see an organisation which prides itself on banking continuing to flourish. There’s no substitute for face to face. It is the same way we like to work with our own tenants. We’ve attracted some excellent high profile names since we acquired the building in 2004 including VAX, Shoosmiths and Jacobs. This expansion is also great sign of the strength of the Birmingham market too.”

Handelsbanken’s Regional Head, Nick Lowe, said: “I am delighted by the fact that our branch network in our Central Region, has almost doubled to 42 branches since its inception in 2011, which has resulted in our need to take a little more space.” He continued. “The growth is a testament to the success our local relationship banking approach which enables local branches to make local decisions for local customers.”

There is just 35,432 sq ft net now remaining at Two Colmore Square & Cannon House in three suites. The refurbishment of level seven at Cannon House representing 50% of the void is under offer to an occupier, and completes this month. The building continues to demonstrate Nurton’s keen eye for buying buildings to add value and then asset managing them to create future growth.