Five new occupiers acquire units at 50-54 St Pauls Square offices in Birmingham
Back in June last year, KWB acquired 50-54 St Paul’s Square, an area that remains a little known gem within Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. KWB has been working on this project with Bridges Ventures, who made the unusual decision to make the office space available to buy rather than rent and, since making them available, interest in the offices units has been excellent.
The new occupiers include Spencer Hylton Associates tax consultants, Margetts Fund Management, James Andrews Recruitment Solutions and Koala TV, with H&S Solicitors about to move in. These companies are part of the organic growth of a vibrant business community within the property and, indeed, the area.
Of his company’s move to 50-54 St Paul’s Square, Matthew Bartlam, Managing Consultant at James Andrews Recruitment, commented: “The decision of where to buy an office and which office to buy was not an easy one. It was important for us to find a space that reflected our ambition and our identity, and to give our employees something that that they were proud to work in.
“St Paul’s Square is in stark contrast to the rest of central Birmingham in a very positive way, and our offices have the character, feel and individuality that reflect the diverse nature of the companies who work around us.”
Nigel Tripp, partner at KWB office agents in Birmingham, said: “With interest rates at an all-time low, buying your own offices today can be cheaper than renting – and in return you have direct control over your property and an asset at the end of it. Whereas normally for this size of office space there is no alternative but to rent, now companies can invest so much more in their future.”
Immediately opposite the property is St Paul’s church with its tree-lined walkways and green lawns. The lawns have made for an ideal lunch-break-oasis over the years, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Birmingham city centre, which is less than 10 minutes’ walk away. Originally built as jewellery workshops,50-54 St Paul’s Square is made up of 23 units. A first phase of refurbishment comprising 12 units totalling c.10,000 sq ft has been completed and 70% of this has already been sold. This is testament to the great space on offer, the location and the attractive prospect of being able to purchase smaller pieces of commercial property so close to an important city centre, an investment trend expected to grow.
The office space available ranges from 380 sq ft to 1,775 sq ft within the Grade II listed building – which also houses popular lunchtime and after work venue, The Rectory Bar & Restaurant, with its pleasant outdoor seating area.
With a reputation for projects which are capable of demonstrating innovation to achieve high standards of sustainability alongside financial performance, Bridges Ventures, who occupies one of the office suites themselves, has been keen to encourage the growth of SMEs within Birmingham.
Pictured here, from left to right, is Nigel Tripp (Partner, KWB commercial property agents), Phil Brice (Managing Director, Koala TV), Louise Foster (James Andrews Recruitment), Emma Nugent (James Andrews Recruitment), Alvin Zondo (James Andrews Recruitment) and John Harris (Director, Spencer Hylton Associates).
KWB continues to market these newly refurbished offices for sale in St Paul’s Square, Birmingham and the second phase of refurbishment will commence in the next couple of months providing space from 400 to 1,000 sq ft with prices starting at £80,000. For further information, please contact Nigel Tripp or Malcolm Jones directly on 0121 233 2330, or email ntripp@kwboffice.com ormjones@kwboffice.com.
