Best Q2 for Solihull office market since 2019

Back to news list August 2023

The Solihull and M42 office market enjoyed the best Q2 since 2019, according to recent KWB research.

Total take-up was 40,913 sq ft across 10 transactions, with six deals taking place at M42 Junction 6, including four on Birmingham Business Park.

Topping the tables

The largest letting of the quarter was to fleet management specialist Holman, which took 15,896 sq ft at 4020 Lakeside, Birmingham Business Park – to support its new seven-year contract with BT.

4020 Lakeside saw the largest Q2 letting for the Solihull/M42 office market — 4020 Lakeside, Birmingham Business Park

The second largest letting saw housebuilder Avant Homes relocate to a 6,938 sq ft of space at Wingfield Court, Coleshill. The move represents continued demand for traditional office space, with Avant previously holding space at Regus serviced offices.

Mobile asset and fleet management solutions provider, Mix Telematics, signed up for 1,874 sq ft at 6170 Knights Court, also on Birmingham Business Park.

Meeting the Grade A demand

Following a persistent lack of supply of large offices in the area, new space has come on stream.

CGI of AIR Solihull, meeting demand in the M42 office market for large, refurbished office space in Solihull — CGI of AIR, Solihull town centre

A total of 228,000 sq ft of refurbished Grade A office space is currently on the market, across four properties:

70,000 sq ft at AIR in Solihull
61,000 sq ft at Portland House at the NEC / Birmingham Airport
60,000 sq ft at One Central Boulevard on Blythe Valley Business Park
37,000 sq ft at Blake House on Eagle Court Business Park

Even healthier future quarters are expected for the Solihull office market as more space becomes available.

Reflecting on the market

Malcolm Jones, Head of Office Agency at KWB, said: “It’s excellent to see nearly 230,000 sq ft of refurbished space come to market – and there’s more to come.

Portland House offices near Birmingham Airport, meeting M42 office market demand for large office space — Portland House, Birmingham Airport

“We expect to see a strong response to these refurbished buildings, as well as those in the pipeline. This space provides much-needed choice for larger occupiers when looking to relocate and enhance their ESG credentials.

“However, there is now a lack of smaller offices below 3,500 sq ft, following a period of great activity. Landlords now have a real opportunity to refurbish and reposition their vacant buildings to deliver high quality office suites.”

Click here to read the full KWB Solihull and M42 office market research. For more details or to discuss your office space requirements, contact Malcolm Jones at mjones@kwboffice.com, or on 0121 233 2330.