The Post Office has confirmed the sale of its 76,016 sq m (818,235 sq ft) sorting office in the centre of Birmingham for a mixed-use development.
Birmingham Mailbox – a new development company formed by Alan Chatham, director of Brindleyplace – is planning a mixed-use development along the lines of Argent’s scheme off Broad Street.
Chatham said: “This is Brindleyplace in one building. We will create a stunning internal and external environment. The building has almost 8.09 ha (20 acres) of floorspace in a strategic position between New Street Station and the canal network.”
Redevelopment of the sorting office is subject to planning permission but the city council has identified the are as suitable for office, retail, leisure and hotel development.
Mailbox, with funding from The Royal Bank of Scotland, is paying some £4m for the site. Royal Mail will continue to occupy the sorting office until buildings at Newtown and Brindleyplace are ready for it.
Tim Doughty of Weatherall, Green & Smith, which acted for Post Office Property Holdings, said: “It will continue to occupy the property until its new mail processing facility in Newtown of some 27,870 sq m (300,000 sq ft) and regional office headquarters of 4,645 sq m (50,000 sq ft) at Brindleyplace are ready for occupation towards the end of the year.
Roger Madelin, chief executive of Argent Group, said: “Alan has spent the past seven years ensuring the success of Brindleyplace. I am delighted he has secured a new, exciting, and challenging opportunity. Over the next few months he will be working closely with us to help us through the transition.
Mark Billingham is leaving Grimley to set up Birmingham Mailbox with Chatham.
EGi News 24/03/98
