36, Great Charles Street

36 Great Charles Street was purchased by Circle Property Plc in 2015 for £2.5 million.  The property is located within Birmingham's established office core and adjacent to the Paradise Island re-development.

Circle Property Plc is a specialist property investment company, registered in Jersey with its shares being quoted on AIM. The company acquires provincial office properties where it can add value by undertaking lease renewals, rent reviews, lettings and refurbishment

36 Great Charles Street is multi-let eight-storey office building with on site parking on two additional levels, Built in 1973, it has a rich façade of Inca-patterned cast-concrete panels, dark bronze anodised window casements and black granite cladding to the ground floor elevations.

The property comprises of a communal entrance and 3,300 sq ft floor plates separated by the central lift and communal stair core, with adjacent WC Blocks.

The brief:

Circle Property Plc identified that '36' represented a great opportunity to create a contemporary and inspiring workplace with substance for occupiers seeking smaller floor plates.

Thuja Design were tasked to restore the property back to prime letting real estate. Our vision for the Cat A refurbishment was to dramatically improve the efficiency and appearance of the property by creating something special inside. The refurbishment needed to include an entrance with a real wow factor, along with new facilities to entice prospective tenants.

“The project has produced a total transformation of 36 Great Charles Street, turning it into a modern open building which provides the perfect environment for tenants and visitors.”

Edward Olins, Chief Operating Officer
Circle Property PLC

The results:

The project required a complete strip out of all the floors back to the shell, the refurbishment of existing lifts and new lift car interiors. The building’s brickwork and concrete panels to the front and side elevations were cleaned and the removal of the existing entrance canopy and the reinstatement of glazing and natural stone facade.

There was an abundance of natural light available and the design was centred around capturing the light and illuminating the space, making it a fresher and brighter environment. To add more light to the space, All mechanical and electrical services were left exposed and suspended lighting with a low profile was used for a less obstructive installation. This detailing helps to uplift the spaces and maximise the available ceiling height.

It was agreed that one of the ground floor office spaces would be sacrificed to increase the entrance approach; providing a greater pausing and orientation space upon entering and leaving the building and giving increased legibility when approached from either direction

The existing toilet facilities were stripped back to shell and remodelled to a high standard, with new walls, floors, ceilings and partitioning installed. Full length hand basins and mood lighting were used to create a sophisticated, executive feel.

A new shower block was created in the basement along with bike storage and locker facilities.

The building is now extensively refurbished to a high specification, the accommodation offers flexible open-plan suites benefiting from a lively commercial and retail setting.

The refurbishment works, combined with the building’s outstanding location, has proven to be popular with occupiers, with significant lettings since its completion.