West Midland property agents were impressed by how one of Birmingham’s first modern office blocks has been given a new lease of life.
Joint agents Vail Williams and KWB provided sector leaders with the chance to view the transformation at iconic Cobalt Square on the Hagley Road in Edgbaston during a special breakfast launch of newly-refurbished suites.
The building, originally Hagley House and designed by prominent architect John Madin, dates back to 1965 and was in the city’s first wave of post-World War II office blocks that followed the opening of the inaugural Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Harborne Road four years earlier.
New owners MCR Property Group acquired it last year and immediately announced refurbishment plans.
The first three suites are now complete with space available from 1,524 sq ft and full open plan floor plates of 4,340 sq ft.
Steven Bott, associate at Vail Williams, said: “Today we take tall office blocks for granted, but, according to historians and commentators, it is hard to over-emphasise what a big impact the first ones had on the workers who occupied them and the people who saw them.
“A number of these were built speculatively – also a first for Birmingham – and the new towers with open-plan floors, panoramic windows, views out, and a warm and comfortable environment were a huge contrast to what went before.
“Cobalt Square was at the heart of that revolution and MCR Property Group have been eager to make it fit for purpose for many more years to come, an exceptional opportunity to be at the forefront of Birmingham’s business community.
“With space available on flexible lease terms it provides uncompromising quality and modern design. With excellent connectivity to the motorway network, the city centre, and local rail and bus services, and surrounded by a wide array of amenities such as restaurants, coffee shops, hotels and shopping centres, it is ideally located.
“I think the early pioneers would be proud of the new look.”
Cobalt Square comprises 78,000 sq ft of office space over 18 floors, with around 30,000 sq ft available to let.
Tenants including Countrywide Estate Agents, Enterprise Foundation and Towry Law Services among others.
In addition, MCR is using one of the floors for its new Birmingham office, to add to its Manchester and London premises.
Michael Reeves of MCR said: “When attracting tenants, it’s vital to give old building stock like Cobalt Square a new lease of life – yet it’s equally important that the site becomes operational as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Cobalt Square is ideal for growing companies.
“We acquired it because we see opportunities in the Midlands as we believe there is still some excellent value to be realised across the region.
“Not all Madin’s buildings have survived – the Central Library has recently been knocked down – but we believe Cobalt Square has a great future which is why we have been prepared to invest in refurbishment. It is an excellent addition to our Midland’s portfolio.”