In a positive start to 2015 and reflecting the growing confidence in Birmingham’s commercial property market, a planning application to bring forward a £14 million redevelopment of Two Cornwall Street has been submitted to Birmingham City Council by family-owned property company Bruntwood.
Situated on the corner of Cornwall Street and Livery Street at the heart of Birmingham’s Colmore Business District, the redeveloped Two Cornwall Street will provide around 110,000 sq ft of much-needed Grade A office space in 2016 – when high quality office accommodation anywhere in the city will be in short supply.
The plans for the building have been designed by Glenn Howells Architects and include a sleek façade and new glazing to provide occupiers with panoramic views across Birmingham. It will also have a double-height reception area, a private basement car park and a rooftop terrace, which will be accessible to all occupiers.
With over 100 properties in four UK cities, Two Cornwall Street marks a crucial stage in Bruntwood’s expansion in Birmingham. The property company has already breathed new life into three office buildings in the city – Centre City on Hill Street, the 20 storey Mclaren on Queensway, and the Grade II-listed Cornwall Buildings on Newhall Street – but Two Cornwall Street will be its most substantial project in Birmingham to-date.
Situated close to the A38, adjacent to Snow Hill, and within easy walking distance from the revamped Birmingham New Street and the proposed High Speed 2 terminal, the completely transformed building is ideal for businesses looking to relocate in Birmingham in the run up to the expected opening of HS2 in 2026.
Commenting on the planning application, Rob Valentine, head of Bruntwood’s Birmingham office, said: “Our plans for Two Cornwall Street will transform the building into much needed, highly desirable Grade A office space, ideally situated close to the city’s transport hubs, shops, restaurants and cafés.
“This redevelopment will be completed at a crucial time for the Birmingham office market – when a likely surge in interest from occupiers looking to position themselves within the city’s business community will coincide with a lack of available high quality office accommodation.
“With open floor plates of up to 13,750 sq ft, Two Cornwall Street will offer a sole occupier, or a number of occupiers, some of the best located, highest quality space in Birmingham.”
Michele Wilby, executive director of the Colmore Business District, added: “Birmingham’s growing reputation as a global city and recent general increase in profile means that it is even more important than ever for the city to be in a position to support and welcome businesses looking to grow or relocate here.
“Bruntwood has a track record in delivering great business space and its plans to bring Two Cornwall Street back into commercial use can only be good news for Birmingham and the Colmore Business District.”
GVA, GBR Phoenix Beard and CBRE are appointed by Bruntwood as joint agents for Two Cornwall Street.
