Hines, the international real estate firm, has announced that global executive search firm Odgers Berndtson, has taken additional space and committed to remain at its current home at Birmingham’s Brindleyplace until 2023.
Odgers Berndtson, which has held offices at Brindleyplace for 15 years, currently occupies 4,089 sq ft on the first floor of the Oozells Building – formerly Nine Brindleyplace – and alongside the extension to their existing lease, have agreed to take an additional 2,486 sq ft of space, representing part of the second floor.
The new space has been secured on a coterminous basis with the existing lease, which has been extended to October 2023 and provides the company with over 6,500 sq ft of space within the building.
With over 58 offices in 29 countries, Odgers Berndtson has more than 50 years’ experience in sourcing leadership talent for executive roles around the world. The Oozells Building houses staff from three of Odgers Berndtson’s brands; Berwick Partners, Odgers Interim and Odgers Berndtson.
Richard Love, Regional Managing Partner at Odgers Berndtson and Managing Director of Berwick Partners, said: “Brindleyplace has been an excellent location for us as a business. It’s a great location and has a thriving business community. In the past 12 months, we’ve capitalised on the success of our already well-established practices and expanded into new markets, bringing in a number of exceptional new hires to facilitate growth.
“The latest refurbishment of the Oozells Building means that we are able to take further quality space as part of our continued expansion and future plans.”
The Brindleyplace estate is asset managed by Hines UK.
James Campbell Adamson, Asset Manager, Hines UK, said: “Odgers Berndtson has been a longstanding tenant at Brindleyplace and we are naturally very pleased to have been able to secure this lease extension and expansion. As Birmingham’s only fully-managed estate, it is important that we ensure that we are providing the correct provision for our tenants, from the on-site services, to the quality of the space and environment itself.”
Quoting rents at the Oozells Building are £26.00 per sq ft. There is currently 27,000 sq ft of space available to let in the building across the fourth, third and part of the second floors.
The lease extension and expansion were negotiated by Charles Toogood of GVA, who is joint letting agent on Brindleyplace with Ben Thacker of Savills.
Charles Toogood, GVA, said: “Birmingham’s office market is seeing one of the most active periods for many years, with 2017 setting a record-breaking level of take-up of space in excess of 1 million sq ft. It is particularly important at times like these that we are able to secure ongoing commitments from existing occupiers and this represents a significant vote of confidence in Brindleyplace as a business destination.”
The 51,700 sq ft Oozells Building is currently undergoing a comprehensive £4 million refurbishment which includes all vacant office space and common areas, alongside delivery of new cladding, signage and feature external lighting.
A brand-new reception and entrance will provide an outstanding welcome to visitors and building users, while a private terrace is being developed on the fourth floor and a first-floor courtyard accessed directly from Oozells Square is being enhanced. Works are due to complete by spring 2018.
Other occupiers at the Oozells Building include Free Radio and Unity Trust Bank.