Work starts to revamp city centre landmark

WORK has started on the major refurbishment of a Birmingham city centre retail landmark.

The Lewis Building on Bull Street is being fully refurbished by Legal and General Property (LGP) to create a striking contemporary Grade A office building.

The property, which is already attracting tenant interest, was first built as a department store in the 1920s by 19th Century philanthropist David Lewis. It has a classical Portland stone façade and is being reawakened to deliver 114,000 sq ft of modern, cutting edge office space.  

The building is being transformed by award-winning architectural practice EPR, which is intending to return the building to its former glory.
 
Floorplates are being remodelled to provide some of the largest in the Central Business District at around 17,000 sq ft and a new seventh storey of 12,000 sq ft with external terraces is being added to the building.
 
LGP is targeting high levels of sustainability in the construction and use – and has incorporated 74 car park spaces as well as secure, ground floor level cycle parking for 60 bikes with shower, changing and drying facilities.
 
Tom Williams, Senior Asset Manager, Legal & General Property, said: “The revitalised Lewis Building will offer unique office accommodation to the Birmingham market, capturing the buildings heritage yet providing a contemporary space.
 
“We are developing Grade A offices, with a full Category A fit out including modern high-quality finishes, new mechanical and electrical systems and cycle and changing facilities.

“The reception will provide a superb Manhattan-style lobby delivering hotel style concierge services. We are aiming to bring something bespoke and refreshing to the Birmingham office market, designed around the needs of the occupier.”
 
The new double height entrance hall, features full glazing to the front and incorporates different areas including a library, lounge, waiting area and an exhibition zone with free WiFi to provide spaces for events and informal work and collaboration.
 
The new seventh floor will feature exposed steel columns and full height glass elevations providing panoramic views across the city.
 
The refurbishment of the Lewis Building is being managed by Ediston Real Estate. EPR is the architects for the project. CBRE and Bilfinger GVA are the appointed leasing agents.
 
The project is targeted for completion in May 2017.