NEWS

Exterior view of Orega's new serviced offices in Colmore Plaza, Birmingham

Based just around the corner from Snow Hill train station, the new glass-clad office building in Colmore Plaza certainly creates an excellent first impression, occupying a prime location in the city's business district.

Jason Jones of officebroker.com's Business Development team, who was present at the launch on Thursday, formerly worked in the building when it was occupied by the Trinity Mirror Group.

"It used to be a nicotine-stained triumph of the 1960s", said Jason, "I couldn't believe it was the same building. I spent an hour with (Orega Joint Managing Director) Paul Finch, and he was very proud of the office layout and design. In terms of branding, the colours and style provided the usual high quality Orega feel, but they were still low-key enough to allow clients to make the office their own."

Far from the "nicotine-stained" ghost of its past, the landmark property now boasts a number of impressive facilities including a stunning reception area with automated pedestrian turnstiles, high-tech intelligent lifts, sensor lighting, modern break-out areas with large flat-screen TVs, high quality office furnishings, Wi-Fi, and more.

On completion in 2006 the new building was named one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in Birmingham. Part of this achievement is in recognition of its prestigious BREEAM 'Excellent' In-Use rating, representing a very high standard of environmental sustainability.

In fact, Colmore Plaza became the first office property in Birmingham to achieve the sought after BREEAM 'Excellent' In-Use accreditation. The 'In Use' scheme is a new addition to the rating that measures a building's sustainable credentials once in occupation, measuring factors such as building management performance and organisational effectiveness after occupation.

Commenting on its BREEAM status, Phil Perchard, Orega Head of Sales, said:

"A lot of the corporate occupiers we speak to are very interested in a more sustainable building. It's becoming much more of a factor now - when you have someone who knows something about BREEAM and building sustainability, it's usually very important to them."

He continues, "Many of the big corporations we deal with have a mandate not to occupy buildings that fall below the BREEAM 'Very Good' or 'Excellent' rating, so we're proud to fit into this bracket. It also discounts the majority of real estate in central Birmingham!"

The serviced offices are based on the Mezzanine floor of the building, and offer a range of space which can be tailored to suit individual business requirements. Larger offices can even be modified to suit businesses seeking smaller space.

Commenting on the flexibility of their offices, Orega Joint Managing Director Paul Finch said:

"We've created a calculated mix of larger and smaller spaces, but if someone really wanted a particular office layout then we are often able to create something bespoke."

He also said that out of the Orega fleet, the Birmingham office was one of his favourites, adding: "We're very proud of what we have been able to achieve on behalf of the Carlyle Group here!"

Find out more about these serviced offices at Colmore Plaza here.

Images of the new offices at Colmore Plaza: