Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group (“Carlyle”) has secured international insurance provider Allianz Insurance as the latest tenant at Colmore Plaza, its prime office building in Birmingham city centre.
Allianz has signed a 15 year lease for 15,000 sq ft of Grade A office space on the tenth floor of Colmore Plaza, bringing together its commercial and engineering divisions, who will relocate from the Trinity Park business park, just outside Birmingham on the M42, and a small office on Great Charles Street respectively.
Colmore Plaza is one of the highest specification office buildings outside London and one of the only buildings in Birmingham to hold a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for its highly efficient design.
Mark Harris, Managing Director, The Carlyle Group, said: “There has been a noticeable increase in activity in both the investor and occupier markets in the UK’s regional business centres recently, particularly in Birmingham where we are seeing a great deal of interest in the remaining space at Colmore Plaza. To be able to sign a blue chip and international business such as Allianz reinforces Birmingham’s status as a leading business location and Colmore Plaza’s predominant position within it.
“With its highly efficient floor plates and economically run service charge, Colmore Plaza is perfectly positioned to meet the ongoing demand from occupiers looking for quality Grade A space. This offering is further enhanced by the combination of quality working environments and personal service available through the building’s concierge services.”
Allianz Insurance, which is one of the largest insurers in the UK and part of Allianz SE, the world’s largest property and casualty insurer, will move into the space in the first quarter of 2014, following a full fit-out process.
Colin Bates, Regional Manager, Allianz, said: “As a company, we have seen some good growth in recent years, and this move is an indication of how well our business is performing. Bringing our commercial and engineering teams back under one roof will provide a single location for all of our customers, who are keen to see us move back into the heart of the Birmingham financial centre.”
“Colmore Plaza is a great location to meet clients and really offers that ‘wow’ factor. This building has been top of our list since we started looking for a suitable property just over a year ago. The column-free layout, flexible floorplates and natural light have contributed to our fit-out design, incorporating a lot of glass partitions rather than solid walls where possible, allowing us to create a contemporary workspace with some great views across Birmingham. ”
Allianz joins existing occupiers including Marsh, Amey, Investec Wealth & Investment, Aecom, Orega, Aedas, Grant Thornton and Robert Half International.
Tenants at Colmore Plaza enjoy a broad range of services including a health and wellbeing clinic, car valet service, running club, shoe repair, polish and dry cleaning services and access to fitness sessions run by British Military Fitness.
A loyalty card providing offers at city retailers is also available to all building occupiers and development of an on-site gym and extended shower and cycle storage facilities is due to be completed shortly.