Two consulting firms have relocated their Birmingham office to the Billiards Building, on Edmund Street.
Management consultancy Alvarez & Marsal has taken 9,264 sq ft on the eighth and part ninth floors, on a seven-year lease. The company is currently based at Edmund Gardens on Edmund Street.
Hoare Lea has also relocated to Billiards Building. The engineering consultancy has taken 3,986 sq ft of fully fitted space on the ground floor, on a 10-year lease.
The company, founded in Birmingham in 1862, was previously based at 54 Hagley Road.
Joint agents CBRE and JLL advised Grosvenor on the lettings.
Previously known as 134 Edmund Street, the Billiards Building comprises 79,000 sq ft of Grade A office space. Located in Birmingham’s Colmore Business District, the property has recently been upgraded and now features a new reception and business lounge, gym and yoga studio, and communal roof terrace.
In addition, a café operated by LAB Coffee Works will be open to the public, as well as providing an additional amenity to the building.
As part of the upgrade, several energy efficiency improvements have also been made to the building, resulting in it achieving net zero status and an EPC ‘A’ rating.
Fergus Evans, Grosvenor Office Portfolio Director, said: “From the outset, our ambition for Billiards Building was to transform an outdated building into a net zero workspace with the high-quality amenities modern occupiers look for. Confirming Alveraz & Marsal and Hoare Lea have joined Softcat in choosing the Billiards Building for their new space in Birmingham is a clear sign that we have been successful. We look forward to working in partnership to deliver an excellent occupier experience.”
The lettings to Alvarez & Marsal and Hoare Lea mean that 85% of the building is now let, with just the first floor (8,616 sq ft) and lower ground floor (3,972 sq ft) available. Existing occupiers include Anthony Collins, Softcat and West Midlands Trains.
Theo Holmes, Senior Director and Head of Office Agency at CBRE in Birmingham, said: “Billiards Building is a prime example of a successful office refurbishment. Recognising the changing market dynamics and shift in office occupier requirements – in terms of size, quality, amenity provision and sustainability – Grosvenor has invested heavily in the building, with the aim to exceed modern day standards.
“As a result, the once tired, half occupied building has been reenergized and is now almost fully let, with terms issued on the remaining floors and continuing to receive strong interest.”
Sanderson Weatherall advised Hoare Lea. JLL acquired for Alvarez & Marsal.
