Birmingham offices named among the best in the Midlands
TWO offices in the heart of Birmingham’s financial quarter have been named among the best in the Midlands and East Anglia.
Cundall’s office in Cathedral Court and 158 & 170 Edmund Street were both recognised in the annual British Council for Offices (BCO) regional property sector awards. The awards recognise top quality office design and functionality and set the standard for excellence in the regional and national office sector.
Cundall’s office in Cathedral Court was named as the Best Project up to 2,000sqm, while 158 & 170 Edmund Street was awarded the title of Best Refurbished / Recycled Workplace.
The awards, held at the Birmingham Town Hall, were attended by over 320 of the country’s top designers, developers, architects and occupiers.
The judges praised Cundall, a multi-disciplinary consultancy, for turning a standard office floorplate into a unique workplace that acts as a showroom for the business. They said this had been done in conjunction with investment in advanced lighting and communication systems, which as an overall package had paid dividends. With a well-negotiated reinstatement provision, the financial efficiency of the building was also praised.
158 & 170 Edmund Street are two adjoining buildings located in the city’s business district. Judges said that by creating a strong and focused brand from the outset and focusing meticulously on build quality, the team had delivered a unique offering within the marketplace that has been quick to attract tenants.
They said the rich visual appeal of the office, its strong sustainability credentials and a very low service charge had ensured higher than projected rental values. The judges were also impressed by zero energy consumption being achieved in core areas through the use of LED lighting and photovoltaics, with these energy cost savings then being passed onto tenants.
Judging chairman, Ted Pearce, of Severn Trent, said: “These two projects are indicative of the innovative and industry-leading development that is happening in Birmingham. Each office demonstrates an inspiring balance of both exceeding occupier needs and expected sustainability credentials, while delivering to the bottom line.”
Richard Kauntze, chief executive of the BCO, added: “It’s no surprise to see two Birmingham based offices triumphing at these awards, we held our annual conference in the city last year which gave us a clear view of the ambition and innovation that’s helping put the area back on the map.”
Other workplaces across the Midlands also received recognition with Severn Trent Water’s office in Shrewsbury awarded Best Corporate Workplace and National Grid’s Warwick office taking home the award for Best Fit Out of a Workplace. The Da Vinci building in Cambridge was put forward as the Midland and East Anglia nomination for the national BCO Innovation Award to be announced in October.
All winners go on to compete at the national awards, which take place on October 6.
