Major Birmingham office refurbishment hits important milestone
The comprehensive refurbishment of a former Birmingham city centre department store building has reached a notable milestone.
LGIM Real Assets (L&G) – the developer and owner of The Lewis Building in Bull Street – has declared the building watertight.
A new top-floor extension, featuring full-height glazing, is now complete and delivery of the contemporary Manhattan-style interior is underway, with exposed steel columns and metallic finishes balancing the building’s classic Portland stone façade and detailing.
The building is being fully refurbished by L&G to deliver 113,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation – with each of the first six floors providing around 17,000 sq ft of space and the new 7th floor delivering 12,000 sq ft. Completion of the works is scheduled for later this summer.
When complete, the building will feature an impressive double-height, fully-glazed entrance hall on Bull Street, which will incorporate a variety of communal breakout areas together with an exhibition space for events or collaborative working. A new independent retail/café offer of 1,450 sq ft available is also planned for the Bull Street frontage.
Tom Williams, Senior Asset Manager, LGIM Real Assets, said: “This important milestone in the transformational refurbishment of The Lewis Building will now enable us to take forward the final stage of works.
“Over the coming months we will be completing the high-specification finishes, including the new lobby area which will offer a lounge, library and meeting space where people can meet over lunch or relax in the impressive surroundings. The new 7th floor, with full-height glazing, offers panoramic views of Birmingham city centre and an attractive terrace area, ideal for entertaining.”
He said presenting a cool, Manhattan boutique style was important for the new building and one that would make it stand out in the Birmingham office market.
The renovation will provide secure, ground floor level cycle parking for up to 60 bikes, shower and changing facilities and 74 car parking spaces.
The refurbishment of The Lewis Building is being managed by Ediston Real Estate, Architectural practice EPR is behind the design of the new building, whilst contractor Willmott Dixon is undertaking the works. CBRE and GVA are the appointed leasing agents.
