Associated Architects has completed the refurbishment of 35 Newhall Street, transforming an existing office building in Birmingham’s Colmore Business District into a contemporary Grade A workplace.
Working on behalf of Valeo Capital, the £11 million project encompasses the refurbishment of approximately 55,000 sq ft of office accommodation, alongside a replacement façade and roof, upgraded reception and end-of-trip facilities, and new communal amenity spaces.
The new natural stone façade gives the building a renewed architectural identity, responding to the character of the surrounding conservation area. Internally, an enlarged reception creates a welcoming arrival experience, while a new sky lounge and 91 sq m roof terrace provide additional spaces for tenants to meet, work and connect.
A key challenge was making the most of the existing building. Rather than simply replacing what was there, the design team explored opportunities to unlock underused areas and improve the quality of the accommodation. Infill of the former atrium increases usable floor space, while the existing five-metre soffit height creates a generous reception without the need to reinstate the atrium above.
Careful coordination of exposed building services maximises clear heights across the office floors. During strip-out, original structural features from the building’s earlier history were revealed and retained, adding character to the interiors. Each floor required a tailored approach to respond to the conditions uncovered during the works.
Sustainability has been central to the refurbishment. Retaining and adapting existing elements reduces unnecessary replacement, while an all-electric strategy, high-efficiency building services and rooftop photovoltaic panels support improved environmental performance. The building is targeting EPC A and BREEAM Excellent, with new cycle storage, showers, lockers and EV charging supporting more sustainable travel.
Delivered with Estilo Interiors, Webb Yates, Hoare Lea, Jensen Hughes and Quartz, the project demonstrates how considered retrofit can extend the life of an existing city-centre building while creating a high-quality workplace for its next chapter.
