Colmore Row
Retention, refurbishment & celebration of an existing heritage site to create exemplary office retrofit in the heart of Birmingham’s City Centre.

Project Address

78-90 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2AB

Client

Marlborough Property Company

Location

Birmingham

Size

44,760 sqft (Total GIA)

Status

On Site

Description

GPAD have been working collaboratively with Marlborough Property Company and V7 to develop a best-in-class office restoration in the heart of Birmingham’s Colmore and Environs Conservation Area. Forming part of the Snow Hill Masterplan and wider regeneration for Birmingham City, the sensitive retrofit will deliver a highly sustainable, people focused workspace, that celebrates the unique history of the site and surroundings.

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Built in 1917, the Portland stone exterior to this Edwardian Neo-Baroque style building will undergo a light refurbishment to bring it back to its former glory. The proposals consolidate and retrofit the existing non-designated heritage building to reinvigorate key architectural features that contribute to its longstanding significance and character. The thoughtful restoration and extension have been designed to integrate seamlessly into the historical landscape while achieving exemplary sustainable credentials.

The existing mansard walls at the fourth floor will be replaced with textured Portland Stone to match the historic surroundings, while the new fifth-floor extension, clad in zinc tiles, subtly steps away from the façade to preserve the period details and respond to its relationship with the Grade I Listed St. Philip’s Cathedral.

Architecturally, the design improves accessibility whilst maintaining and enhancing the existing corner entrance, with a reception space that grounds the building within its context.

As part of a collective commitment to sustainability and innovation, the proposal focuses on environmental responsibility with ESG at the forefront to ensure the delivery of a building that will stand the test of time and remain high performing in years to come. The building uses responsibly sourced and recyclable materials wherever possible and is set to achieve LETI B minimum for upfront embodied carbon on construction, a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ status, and a minimum EPC B rating. Smart technologies and renewable energy solutions will further enhance the building’s green credentials, alongside AirRated Platinum, WELL certification, and achieving more than 10% Biodiversity Net Gain. The certifications reflect the dedication to creating workspaces that are not only energy-efficient but also prioritise the health and wellness of their occupants.

1946 map.

Historic image circa. 1917.

Concept elevation.

Ground floor plan.

Entrance.

Reception and lobby.

Sophie Percival. Material palette.

Business lounge.

Cycle amenities featuring quotes from famous Brummies.

End-of-trip.

Concept sketch for interior arrangements.

Construction on site.

% of existing building retained

New roof terrace with biodiverse planting.

“When dealing with the redevelopment of any existing building, no one member of the team can have all the answers as there is a journey of discovery through feasibility, strip out and surveys. The key is remaining positive and solving the problems – something this team has done from day one.”

Zak Veasey, v7

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ALASDAIR BROWNLOW

SENIOR ARCHITECT