Colmore Row office retrofit secures green light

Credit: GPAD

Marlborough Property has secured planning permission to extend and refurbish 78-90 Colmore Row, and “create a best-in-class building that lasts”.

The prime business district site will be reconfigured and refurbished, and an extension to the five-floor office floor space will extend the space by 12,000 sq ft, to 44,800 sq ft.

Developer Marlborough is a property subsidiary of WA Capital, a family office and private investment company based in Leicestershire.

It wishes to create “a lasting legacy, retaining and improving the existing building for the future” by creating a new set-back top storey and a rooftop extension with a landscaped roof terrace.

£14.43m of capital investment will be made by Marlborough, which is expected to create almost 400 direct/indirect construction jobs, £39.7m direct and indirect GVA during the construction phase, 145 direct/indirect FIE jobs during the operational phase and delivery of £10.21m GVA per annum during occupation.

Internally, the building will be refurbished, with space reconfigured to make more efficient use of office accommodation as well as a newly remodelled reception area and business lounge on the ground floor.

Alterations will be made to upgrade the existing windows and doors to improve thermal performance and the existing façade will be cleaned and repaired where necessary.

In the basement, Marlborough plans to increase cycle storage, showering and changing facilities.