Catalyst Capital, the European real estate investment and fund management firm, has continued a successful string of lettings at the recently refurbished 60 Church Street in Birmingham city centre with The Economist Group taking space in the building.
The publisher of The Economist, The Economist Group, has taken 3,645 sq ft on the building’s ground floor on a five year lease. The space will be utilised as a technology centre, supporting the publication’s online and digital presence.
Totalling 64,000 sq ft over 11 floors, 60 Church Street is prominently situated on the corner of Church Street and Cornwall Street in the heart of Birmingham’s Colmore Business District, the city’s professional and financial services heartland.
Catalyst Capital has recently completed an extensive, circa £2 million programme of works, which included refurbishment of all vacant office suites to Grade A standard and remodelling of the common areas, including a new reception.
Sarah Cooper, portfolio manager at Catalyst Capital, said: “Having an occupier of the calibre of The Economist at 60 Church Street reflects just how important our investment into the refurbishment of this building has been. The occupational market in Birmingham remains competitive and we are offering a rare combination of a high-quality working environment available at a competitive price.”
The Economist produces high-quality journalism covering politics globally. Since 1843 it has been published in a weekly newspaper and is now also available in a variety of online formats.
The Economist Group, said: “Having a technology centre in Birmingham is a key part of our digital strategy and 60 Church Street provides the optimal combination of location, quality and cost for our growing team.”
The letting to The Economist leaves just over 15,000 sq ft available, with suites ranging from 3,761 sq ft to 5,802 sq ft.
GVA acted for Catalyst Capital on the deal, with The Economist represented by Cushman & Wakefield.
George Jennings, GVA, said: “The office market in Birmingham continues to see significant interest from a number of potential occupiers, both looking to relocate within the region and as inward investors. 60 Church Street provides an ideal solution for companies seeking floorplates of a certain size, with a prime position, affordable price point and quality spaces”.
David Rigby, Cushman & Wakefield, said: “The location of 60 Church Street within easy walking distance of both Snow Hill and New Street train stations, coupled with the ongoing investment being made into the city’s infrastructure, goes some way to elevating this building above the competition, all of which was recognised by The Economist Group when identifying a location for this office.”
Alongside the office and common areas, the refurbishment of 60 Church Street included the installation of basement shower and changing facilities, and introduction of secure cycle storage and a fourth-floor terrace.
This is in addition to existing amenities for occupiers, including 24-hour security, concierge services and secure basement car parking.
Occupiers at 60 Church Street include AIG, Kings Chambers, Maersk and Bruton Knowles.