Landmark office building gets facelift

More than £1 million has been invested in a 90,000 sq ft landmark Coventry office building and it has provided a significant boost to the local economy.

The owners of Sutherland House in Foleshill have pumped the money into the property to improve the available office space and also to create a new-look, modern reception and café area called Bridge Café.

As well as making the property more attractive to potential occupiers, local companies have also benefitted from the investment with local construction firm J G Molloy landing the contract to carry out the work.

On top of that, Management Catering will operate the café which is expected to attract trade from other commercial buildings close to Sutherland House. Buropro and architectural company Geden Design have also been part of the project.

The catering company will also be available to hire for conferences and events held at the property.

The property is being marketed by Coventry-based commercial property agents Shortland Penn + Moore and director David Penn said the significant investment makes Sutherland House a great opportunity for office-based businesses.

He said: “There are already some household names based in Sutherland House, including FedEx, Jewson and JHP, and that highlights the quality of the building both in terms of the space and location.

“But the owners of the property have recognised the fact that it needs a more welcoming entrance and have spent significant sums of money to improve it and to create a new café.

“There are also office suites available that have also been improved and will make a great base for firms of varying sizes. While they are of the highest quality, the rents have been set at very reasonable rates because the owner recognises the current economic climate.”

The units range from 350 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft with many variations in between, with flexibility available on rents.

The building also employs an on-site security guard and receptionist.

Penn added: “To see this kind of investment in the city is great news and is a major boost to the economy with the benefits spreading to other businesses.

“Once the units are occupied too, that could create further jobs so we look forward to taking enquiries on the available space.”

Sutherland House is a five-storey property that was originally built in the 1920s and 1930s for Courtaulds.

It is situated just off the Foleshill Road, ideally located between the city centre and the Ricoh Arena – with easy access to the major regional road networks.