A planning application has been lodged for the first phase of the refurbishment of one of Birmingham’s most prominent city centre sites.
AG Dunedin Birmingham Estate Venture LP, a joint venture between Angelo Gordon and Dunedin Property Asset Management, has submitted the application for Civic House, a part of the Great Charles Street Estate portfolio which it acquired from Aviva for £20 million in early 2015.
The works will include recladding of the exterior, as well as full refurbishment of all internal space to Cat A, creation of an enhanced reception, and upgrade of all mains services with new glazing installed to increase levels of natural light.
Birmingham-based Associated Architects has redesigned the exterior and is working with Manchester based Space Invader on internal spaces. Subject to planning approval, work is planned to start in the autumn with the building ready for occupation at the end of Q3 2016.
Roun Barry, Dunedin Property Asset Management, said: “Our vision for Great Charles Street Estate is to create a series of complementary buildings that will appeal to a range of occupiers. The refurbishment and improvement to both the interior and exterior of Civic House is a statement of intent, demonstrating the kind of contemporary feel that we are seeking to develop across the estate. We will be completing a refurbishment of space in Lombard House with new reception and tenant break out space in August before moving on to Charles House and 154 Gt Charles St in the next few months.
“Associate Architects’ designs bring the building into the 21st Century, ensuring we deliver space that meets the requirements of modern occupiers in terms of both densities and the quality of their working environment.”
Situated in a prominent position on the corner of Great Charles Street Queensway and Summer Row, and opposite the £500 million Paradise redevelopment, the building offers 80,000 sq ft of accommodation over ground and ten upper floors, with typical floorplates of 7,700 sq ft.
Roun Barry continued: “There is a distinct lack of availability of good quality office stock – either refurbished or new build – coming to the market next year and this refurbishment will fill a supply gap in the market, offering high quality accommodation on smaller floorplates.
“We will also enjoy the benefit from our location adjacent to the Paradise development and the new crossway at Congreve Passage which will enhance the environment considerably and open up new routes to the traditional city core, increasing accessibility to our properties and the Jewellery Quarter tremendously.”
Great Charles Street Estate is a collection of seven buildings situated on an island site in Birmingham city centre fronting Great Charles Street Queensway, a main arterial route connecting the site to the A38 and national motorway network.
Joint letting agents for Great Charles Street Estate are Bilfinger GVA and LSH.