£2.5m refurb complete at 11-story office block

The £2.5m renovation of an 11-storey office block in Birmingham’s Southside has been completed.

Paloma Capital instructed the fit out and refurbishment of 25,000 sq ft of commercial office space at The Southside Building in Hurst Street.

The programme of works has seen improvements made to common areas and vacant office suites which have been stripped out and refurbished. Individual space is available from 200 sq ft to 6,500 sq ft.

The first floor has been reconfigured, providing several new features including an occupier’s kitchen, break out space, touch down working areas and a boardroom complete with video conferencing facilities.

Specially designed Zoom booths, an outdoor terrace and event space have also been included in the new layouts.

The exterior of the building, which is located next door to Birmingham Hippodrome, has been partially reclad, and retail units have modern new frontages.

A ground floor coffee shop provides an internal link to a reconfigured reception, while tenants will benefit from new bicycle storage with shower and changing facilities.

Jeremy Thiagarajah, director – investment and asset management, Paloma Capital, said: “The Southside Building benefits from being the only office building of its kind within the Chinese Quarter and Gay Village, an area which is heralded as one of the most culturally diverse areas of Birmingham. With this in mind we felt it was vital that we created workspace which both sets the standard for offices in Southside while paying tribute to the community which works and lives in this part of the city.

“Collaboration has been a huge part of the designs, and as people start to go back to their working environments as restrictions related to Covid-19 ease it has never been more important. Many of our new facilities have been designed to cater for those adopting networking practices and models so they can be as flexible and adaptable as they need to be.

“As well as being high-quality and forward looking in terms of amenities and facilities, the building’s position within the city couldn’t be better. It will soon front Hippodrome Square which will offer the city’s latest public square, outdoor performance and festival space and is located in a neighbourhood which itself is seeing a renaissance and exciting redevelopment. One of the UK’s most important train stations at Birmingham New Street is just a short walk away as well, making it easily accessible.

“We already have a diverse range of occupiers both in terms of cultural backgrounds and working sectors and industries including fintech, professional services and healthcare. This refurbishment has helped us deliver space with a unique personality which is aligned to the businesses which already call The Southside Building home, while offering a high-quality option for businesses looking to set up shop in the city going forward.”

Willmott Dixon Interiors worked alongside consultants from Whitman Wilde, Quantum Consulting and Malcolm Hollis on the project.

Formerly known as Albany House, the 51,000 sq ft Southside Building was acquired by Paloma Capital in 2017.

Letting agents for the site are Lambert Smith Hampton and Savills.