Office of the Month: 45 Church Street

45 CHURCH Street is one of the most recognisable office towers in Birmingham city centre. Matt Long, associate director of office agency with real estate advisors DTZ in Birmingham, give us the lowdown for December’s Office of the Month.

Give us a brief description of 45 Church Street:

45 Church Street is a 124,000 sq ft grade A office scheme which has become one of the most iconic buildings in Birmingham’s skyline. Located in the heart of the city’s business district, the building has floor plates of circa 10,000 sq ft and suites from around 3,000 sq ft, offering panoramic views of the city.

Internally, 45 Church Street has minimal internal columns which maximise space and the fixtures and fittings make it a contemporary and attractive workspace.

What’s the most interesting feature about the development?

The full height windows offer great views up Church Street to St. Philips Church and it has excellent levels of natural light on each floor. The double height reception area is also very impressive and there is an outdoor terrace on levels three and 10.

What’s the history of the office tower and what first attracted the developer to it?

The site of the current building was formerly Peat House, an office building which became obsolete and was demolished in 2006/7. It’s redevelopment as 45 Church Street has helped to re-invigorate a previously tired part of the historic Colmore Business District.

How much office space is occupied and how much is available?

There is approximately 70,000 sq ft of space remaining with typical floor plates of circa 10,000 sq ft.

Around 70,000 sq ft of space has already been let to Coutts, Business Growth Fund, Mazars and Jones Lang LaSalle among others.

Who owns the building and how is it being financed?

Standard Life Investments own the building and joint letting agents are DTZ and GBR Phoenix Beard.

What rents are you quoting?

Quoting rents start from £28.50 per sq ft, dependant on length of lease and covenant strength.