The Birmingham property community got together to celebrate the launch of the £14 million redevelopment of Two Cornwall Street, a scheme situated at the heart of the city’s Colmore Business District.
The guests attended a breakfast event at Opus Restaurant, also located on Cornwall Street, to discover more about the striking transformation of the office building that will provide the city with around 110,000 sq ft of much-needed Grade A space in 2016.
Speaking at the event, Chris Oglesby, chief executive of Bruntwood, explained how Two Cornwall Street is a crucial development for Birmingham and marks an important step in the family-owned property company’s expansion in the city.
“Birmingham has become a very important part of our plans as we have recognised the city’s vibrancy and growing attraction to businesses. As more organisations such as HSBC, Deutsche Bank and HS2 bring their operations to Birmingham, it is vital for the city to be able to offer high quality office space in the central business district – and Two Cornwall Street does exactly that.
“You can see for yourselves that this is not just a run-of-the-mill refurbishment. Bruntwood has built its reputation by delivering well-designed yet practical properties that are built to the highest standards and Two Cornwall Street continues and enhances this reputation.”
Plans for the redevelopment of Two Cornwall Street, situated on the corner of Cornwall Street and Livery Street, were given the go-ahead by Birmingham City Council in May.
Work on the nine-storey building, which will increase its internal area by around 21,000 sq ft, is poised to begin next month. The comprehensive redevelopment will feature a double height reception area and floor to ceiling glazing, while occupiers will benefit from panoramic views over the city from a rooftop terrace.
Rob Valentine, head of the Bruntwood’s Birmingham office, said: “This is a completely ‘back to frame’ redevelopment that is effectively delivering a brand new building of the highest quality to the city’s office market.
“Two Cornwall Street is ideally located in the Colmore Business District, close to the A38, and adjacent to Snow Hill station. Within easy walking distance of the revamped Birmingham New Street station, the new Grand Central shopping centre and the proposed High Speed 2 terminal, it is perfect for businesses looking for modern, well-connected space.
“Due to a serious lack of supply in quality office accommodation, 2016 will be a critical year for the Birmingham market. Two Cornwall Street, with its highly efficient floors, customer focussed design features, plenty of natural light and views across Birmingham, provides the perfect response to the current high occupier demand.”
Also speaking at the launch event was top Birmingham-based architect Glenn Howells, whose firm, Glenn Howells Architects, designed the building. He said: “Together with Bruntwood we have created a project that will maximise the opportunity offered by this important site within the central business district of Birmingham.
“This isn’t in any way a typical refurbishment, we are reusing some elements of the original structure but creating a building that offers exceptional facilities, excellent work space and will provide a striking new corner to Cornwall Street.”