British Telecom (BT) is on the verge of signing up for half of the Post Office’s space at number three Brindleyplace.
The deal will mean expansion at the scheme for BT, which already has around 7,432 sq m (80,000 sq ft) at number five Brindleyplace. BT plans to take an assignment of the Royal Mail’s lease for 2,323 sq m (25,000 sq ft) split over two floors. Rents will be in the order of £248 per sq m (£23 per sq ft).
Julian Shellard, head of offices at Insignia Richard Ellis, which is advising BT, would not confirm the rumour but said: “Nothing’s been signed as yet.”
The Post Office surprised Birmingham agents when it announced it was pulling out of its 4,590 sq m (49,440 sq ft) flagship offices last January, after only occupying the space for a year. The company said the U-turn was down to the space being “surplus to requirements”.
Rumours are also circulating the market about a single occupier being interested in 83,361 sq m (90,000 sq ft) at Brindleyplace. But Gary Taylor, director, of the scheme, said the rumours were untrue. “We’re not speaking to anyone about that amount of space,” he said.
Taylor did confirm the company was in talks with local firm Fraser Williams for up to 1,858 sq m (20,000 sq ft).
EGi News 23/11/00
