Birmingham: a day in the life

The developers of Birmingham’s 103 Colmore Row have released a time-lapse film capturing a day in the city in just one minute.

Rockspring Property Investment Managers LLP (Rockspring) and Sterling Property Ventures commissioned the video, filmed from the roof of the 22-storey NatWest Tower before demolition work began in January.

Shot around the clock, the movie has been released to mark the start of MIPIM, the international real estate conference which begins in Cannes on Tuesday, 15 March.

The film pans around the city, beginning with the sun rising over Eastside, through to the sunset behind the BT tower and the Jewellery Quarter, and finishing in the small hours.

Eric Linden, European Director at Rockspring, said: “The NatWest Tower was the tallest building in Birmingham’s central business district and we wanted to capture the views before we began work dismantling it.

“Our proposed replacement, 103 Colmore Row, will be even taller at 26 storeys, with the apex 246 meters above sea level. What’s more, the skyline bar and restaurant we are planning means these views will be accessible to all. In the meantime, we think the movie is a fabulous showcase for the city.”

James Howarth, managing director of Sterling Property Ventures, will be travelling to Cannes for the global property expo. He said: “The film clearly shows what a dynamic city Birmingham is, with traffic movements even in the small hours. We are delighted to premiere it during MIPIM.”

The demolition of the NatWest Tower, which is being dismantled floor by floor, will be complete in the autumn this year, making way for a new £60million office building.

It will include 211,000 sq ft of Grade A office space over 19 floors and a winter garden and café facing Colmore Row. At the top of the building there will be a 8,600 sq ft restaurant with a 3,250 sq ft ‘lantern’ space offering 360-degree views of the city.

Letting agents on the office space are Colliers International, Cushman & Wakefield and Knight Frank.

The film is available to watch at www.103colmorerow.com