A prominent office building on New Street in Birmingham city centre has been rebranded as part of the £13 million refurbishment of the property.
The Charters, 102 New Street, has been renamed Platform 21 to reflect its close proximity to New Street Station.
New images have also been released showing how the building will look once its multi-million pound transformation is complete. The computer generated images (CGIs) show the new double height reception, complete with a giant digital display wall in the style of traditional split-flap railway signboard, feature pendant lighting and angled fins to the side walls.
The reception will be accessed from a new entrance on Stephenson Street.
Originally constructed in the 1960s, the building was instantly recognisable due to the unusual feature glass lift overlooking New Street. This striking feature is being retained as part of the refurbishment, being converted into usable office space.
The Stephenson Street façade will be re-clad in sleek grey terracotta vertical panels, providing a contemporary appearance, while floor to ceiling windows will flood the open plan floor plates with natural light. Feature terraces will also be provided to the upper floors, providing far-reaching views across the city.
The New Street façade will also be re-glazed, complete with new signage.
When finished, the building will comprise 112,000 sq ft of grade A office space over nine floors, with single floorplates from 11,000 sq ft.
Property developer Evenacre is managing the refurbishment project on behalf of LaSalle Investment Management.
Paul Jones, managing director of Evenacre, said: “The rebranding of 102 New Street to Platform 21 represents the next phase in the evolution of the building.
“The name Platform 21 is both a nod to the building’s close proximity to New Street Station and its address at 21-22 Stephenson Street, which will now be the main entrance to the building.
“Just as new life has been breathed into this area of the city as a result of the redevelopment of New Street Station and Grand Central, we believe Platform 21 will not only transform this prominent building into a modern, contemporary office but also attract new occupiers into the city.”
Work is schedule to start in January 2017, following the appointment of contractors.
Birmingham-based Associated Architects are the architects for the scheme. CBRE and JLL are the joint letting agents.
