Birmingham Office Space
Birmingham, in the West Midlands of England, is the most populous British city outside of London. The city is a major international commercial centre, with an economy dominated by the service sector. It is also a hub for retail, transport and conferences. Birmingham boasts the second largest metropolitan economy in the UK, along with six universities and a number of internationally renowned cultural institutions.
The location
The current city centre is defined as the area situated in the Middle Ring Road, but Birmingham’s Big City Plan aims to expand and develop the city centre over the next 20 years, dividing it into the following seven distinct districts:
1. City Centre Core
2. Eastside
3. Digbeth
4. Southside and Highgate
5. Westside and Ladywood
6. Jewellery Quarter
7. Gun Quarter
The plan will also focus on improving transport in the area, redeveloping existing local landmarks and amenities, and facilitating economic growth in a number of key industries such as IT and advanced manufacturing.
Looking for an office in Birmingham?
According to Instant’s specialist local consultant, Alex Everitt, the Big City Plan will have a huge effect on business in the city centre, and attract many more prolific companies to the area. The Big City Plan envisions:
Growth of the Colmore Row Central Business District of Grade A office space into Westside and east around Snow Hill Station.
Strengthening of the potential for the Jewellery Quarter and Digbeth to provide a range of accommodation for creative industries, professional practices and start-ups.
A southern extension of the Central Business District to link the area around Martineau Galleries and on to the High Speed 2 rail station and Eastside.
The growth of Eastside as a technology and knowledge-based area focused at Birmingham Science Park Aston, but at lower densities and more modest rents than the City Core.
The growth of population, increased number of jobs and improved connectivity to the rest of the region will ultimately lead to a greater demand for office space, as existing companies expand and new businesses establish themselves. Currently, the Central Birmingham market is picking up and continuing to grow.
Office sizes in Birmingham
The most popular option for office space in Birmingham tends to be private offices, as opposed to coworking spaces. Instant offer a great variety of office sizes, and are able to accommodate most enquiries, from one person through to 100 or more depending on the specifics. Providers can often be flexible with the layout of the workspace, to fit a particular requirement.
Why choose Birmingham?
As an internationally recognised business hub with a strong economy, an expanding CBD and easy transport access to major destinations around the UK, Birmingham is the ideal city in which to do business. The continuing Big City developments will provide exciting opportunities for expansion within the area. The large university presence is also helpful when it comes to graduate recruitment. As well as its business credentials, Birmingham also boasts a number of cultural attractions and reputable educational institutions, and was ranked the second best UK city in the Mercer Quality of Living Survey.
A closer look at Birmingham
These are the most popular areas in which to rent office space:
City Core
There are three train stations in the city centre, forming a triangle: Birmingham New Street, Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham Snow Gill. As a result, most businesses want to be located in this area. New Street Station is one of the busiest outside of London, with links to cities across the UK. Birmingham International Airport is also a short drive away. The city centre is populated by both national and global companies from a number of industries, including finance, legal and recruitment.
Jewellery Quarter
The Jewellery Quarter was historically home to one of the continent’s largest concentrations of jewellery manufacturers. While the jewellery trade in this area has declined somewhat, the location is now a growing hub for the creative industry, with PR, media, architecture and software firms moving in.
Digbeth
Digbeth is currently undergoing major redevelopment that will convert the old industrial buildings into offices, apartments, retail space and arts facilities. The area is known as a creative and digital hub, home to a number of businesses from these industries. It is also served by good transport links – the Birmingham Coach Station links to destinations across the UK, and the Birmingham Moor Street Station is a short walk away. There are also plans to extend the Midland Metro tram route through Digbeth.
Solihull
The Birmingham International Airport is located in Solihull, making this area an attractive option for companies with members who are frequently required to travel for business. Other convenient transport links include the Birmingham International railway station on the West Coast Main Line, offering direct access to London, as well as the Solihull Railway Station and the M40, M42, A41 and A43 main roads. It is home to Land Rover’s main production plant, Birmingham Business Park, Arlington Business Park and the National Exhibition Centre.
Want to find out more?
If you’re looking to move into the area, or simply require more information, contact Instant Offices' specialist local consultants.