Developer office refurb turns to co-working

Asset manager Cervidae has revealed plans for a large city centre co-working space in Colmore Row, Birmingham. The private family office, backed by lender ASK, is progressing the refurbishment of Grade II listed office buildings at 6 Bennets Hill, 102 Colmore Road and 104-106 Colmore Row. It has opted to merge the buildings to deliver 26,200 sq ft of co-working space over four floors, with a ground floor gym. The 33,600 sq ft development will include traditional offices in the remainder of the space. Development comes as the industry continues to debate the future of co-working in the wake of the pandemic. Over the past year, ongoing lockdowns and Covid-19 restrictions have put pressure on operators, with weakened demand and a surge of consolidation. Nick Kertesz, investment and asset manager at Cervidae, said: “The demand for quality flexible space in locations that offer a vibrant mix of office, residential, retail, leisure and culture was clear pre-Covid. “Anecdotally, we expect the co-working element to be in even higher demand post-Covid in strategic gateway cities like Birmingham.” To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette Image courtesy of PR