New restaurants extend leisure offering at Brindleyplace

Award-winning mixed use commercial and leisure destination Brindleyplace is about to commence a programme of works that will create three new restaurant units, with two occupiers already secured.

Argentinian-inspired restaurant CAU and Italian chain Zizzi will bring their menus to new, 4,000 sq ft leisure units on the ground floor of Three Brindleyplace, which will also see a third restaurant unit of circa 5,000 sq ft delivered at the rear of the building overlooking the canal.

Representing the city’s growing appeal to leisure operators looking to expand, this will be the first CAU restaurant to open in Birmingham. Launched in 2011 by the team behind popular Argentinian restaurant, Gaucho, CAU specialises in steaks served in a vibrant setting.

Currently in commercial use, the space will undergo a full redevelopment, including the realignment of the building’s existing reception, the installation of new dedicated entrances and creation of outside seating areas beneath the building’s double-height colonnade.

Owned by Hines and Lone Star and asset managed by Hines, Moorfield Group and Hudson Advisors, Three Brindleyplace is currently home to a range of companies including Bilfinger GVA, Towers Watson and serviced office supplier, i2 Office. Existing office occupiers currently on the ground floor will be transferred to alternative space within the building as part of the programme of works.

Raj Rajput, Hines, said: “By enhancing the leisure and retail mix, we are cementing the reputation of Brindleyplace as a truly 24-hour destination, with first class commercial accommodation and blue chip occupiers balanced by a range of outstanding bars and restaurants.

“CAU and Zizzi will boost the estate’s existing offering, providing an even greater range of options for estate occupiers and visitors, in a great location that overlooks Central Square on one side and the canal network on the other.

“This refurbishment is a part of our ongoing strategy to ensure that we are making the most intelligent use of space on the estate by responding to the needs and desires of our users and the opportunities presented by the wider markets. All of this is balanced with our commitment to our existing occupiers, ensuring that they are in the right space to meet their requirements.”

EJ Hales undertook the marketing of the units on behalf of Hines.

Phil Morris, partner in charge of leisure at EJ Hales, said: “These redevelopment plans represent the last opportunity for operators looking for high quality restaurant space at Brindleyplace.

“The fierce level of competition that we saw from interested parties for the first two units is a clear indication of the popularity and desirability of the Brindleyplace estate and the final selection made by the landlords is entirely complementary to the existing high quality mix of leisure occupiers.”

Brindleyplace boasts an extremely diverse mix of commercial tenants, including Deloitte, RBS, Deutsche Bank and Bilfinger GVA. A full range of bars, restaurants and leisure amenities is also available across the estate, including Café Rouge, the Handmade Burger Company, Bannatyne’s Health Club, and Le Monde.