Construction of a West Midlands town’s first new mixed retail and office development in close to 25 years is underway, commercial property consultancy Burley Browne has announced.
Hazelmere House at 262 Lichfield Road, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield, will consist of up to 3,500 sq ft of open plan high quality office space with the adjoining refurbished former cottage providing retail space of 700 sq ft. The offices will benefit from a modern specification to include energy efficient lighting, electrical vehicle charging points, air conditioning and lift access.
Burley Browne has been appointed by a private investor/developer to market the high quality development which is expected to reach practical completion and be ready for occupation in October.
David Hemming, joint managing director of Burley Browne said: “We are delighted to be involved in not only the design stage of this scheme over the last three to four years, providing advice on the size, layout and rental levels, but now in bringing this exciting development to market to secure suitable occupiers.
“Sutton Coldfield has unfortunately fallen behind in bringing new retail and office developments to the market and hopefully this will be the first of many new schemes that will not only allow current Sutton Coldfield businesses to grow and expand and stay, but encourage new businesses to choose invest and move to Sutton Coldfield.
Steven Hannaford, senior surveyor at Burley Browne, said: “This exciting new development at Mere Green is a very welcome addition. It is the first new-build office development in Sutton Coldfield for a considerable period of time and we therefore expect there to be considerable interest from companies seeking modern space within the area.
“With up to 3,500 sq ft of open plan office space, the new building is ideal for a single occupier, possibly operating in the professional services sector. It has excellent transport links, with major roads including the A38 and M6 toll road nearby, as well as the Four Oaks cross-city railway station being just a short walk away offering regular train services to Birmingham Grand Central and Lichfield.”
He added: “There is a real demand in Sutton Coldfield for new offices so that the town can provide an attractive, alternative location for businesses who might be considering relocating to Solihull or Birmingham city centre.”
The cottage, fronting the development on Lichfield Road is to be substantially refurbished to provide high-quality retail, showroom or office use with vaulted ceiling and will retain many original features.
David Hemming added: “The cottage, which has been vacant for many years, will have new life breathed into it, and will provide a truly unique home for the eventual business that is lucky enough to secure it. The cottage, along with the adjoining offices, will be a great addition to the already thriving Mere Green commercial area, being a stone’s throw from some great restaurants and shops including Marks and Spencer’s Food Hall, Bistro Pierre, Costa Coffee and Sofas and Stuff.”