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Senior Content Manager
Content specialist in office design and build.
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Birmingham is the UK’s ‘second city’ – and not just in terms of its population. With the rising cost of office space in London, many national and international firms are choosing Birmingham as an alternative to the capital.
The region has a wide talent pool with a dense population and five universities in the city alone. That’s paired with excellent transport links, from the West Midlands Metro to New Street Station – which is connected to both London and Manchester by trains taking around 1.5 hours.
With all of this in mind, it’s no surprise to see more investment in Birmingham’s commercial property market. Several projects are underway to revitalise different parts of the city and big-name businesses are already on the move.
In this article, we’ll explore how these developments are influencing office design in the local region in terms of sustainability, flexibility and workplace amenities. We’ll highlight three examples of modern offices in Birmingham, before discussing what it all means for businesses looking to move.
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The growth of Birmingham’s commercial landscape
The commercial property market is thriving in Birmingham with a surge in developments over the past few years. Phase 3 of the £500 million Paradise development is due to be completed in 2025, while plans for Smithfield were approved in 2024. Infrastructure work has begun on the 17-hectare site, which includes commercial space to create 9,000 new jobs.
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There’s also been significant investment in Birmingham’s Colmore Business District (BID) – not least the 23,000-square-foot Grade A office space at 103 Colmore Row. The BID is now home to more than 650 companies, with 5.6 million square feet of office space employing circa 40,000 people.
Put simply, the city’s transition into a business hub is well underway – and a number of major firms have got involved. In 2022, Goldman Sachs signed a long-term lease for 110,000 square feet of office space in Birmingham. EY has also announced a relocation in Birmingham, set for 2026 – with the new site better suited for expansion.
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How these developments are influencing office design
The influx of new developments has undoubtedly had an impact on office design, disrupting the status quo for local commercial properties. From flexibility and sustainability to better amenities, here’s how Birmingham’s offices are changing:
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Prioritising sustainability
Sustainability has become a significant concern for both businesses and consumers, so it makes sense that office spaces are putting it front and centre. More and more, we’re seeing new developments and fit outs with high BREEAM ratings – demonstrating their commitment to the best environmental practice.
Energy efficiency is a key component in achieving these high ratings. Smart buildings allow businesses to reduce energy use by automatically optimising HVAC and lighting based on patterns of use. This is typically made possible through IoT integrations, connecting sensors and controls to analytics systems that leverage machine learning.
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Flexibility for modern businesses
Flexibility is another must-have for modern workspaces in Birmingham. Gone are the days of the fixed-desk layout. Modern businesses need to be adaptable to changing requirements – especially those embracing hybrid working.
Open floor plans naturally allow for more adaptability. They also foster a more collaborative environment, which may be ideal for teams who no longer spend every working day together. Co-working areas and hot desking spaces are also common features to accommodate hybrid work models.
Flexibility is the name of the game though, which is why multi-use layouts are more sought-after. Modular furniture enables easy reconfiguration within a workspace, for example, while movable partitions allow spaces to be broken up for smaller teams or brought together for larger events.
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Amenity-driven workspaces
It’s now well-established that workplace wellbeing provides a laundry list of benefits, including increased productivity, reduced absenteeism and better employee retention.
While existing spaces may have limitations, new developments and fit outs in Birmingham are perfectly placed to embrace and benefit from workplace wellbeing. Here are some of the common features we’re seeing:
- On-site gyms – Promoting the physical and mental health benefits of increased movement and improved fitness.
- Green spaces – Providing a calm, natural environment through outdoor spaces or biophilic design.
- Hospitality-led offices – Creating an inviting space with coffee stations, comfortable seating and dedicated welcome areas.
Many offices are also using the WELL Building Standard to improve occupant health. This includes seven factors – air, water, light, nourishment, fitness, comfort and mind – used to measure, certify and monitor the wellness of built environments.
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Oktra’s role in Birmingham’s office evolution
As a leading UK company for office design, building and fit outs, Oktra has worked with a number of ambitious companies to keep their office spaces at the forefront of Birmingham’s office evolution.
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Dains Accountants
After rapid growth, Dains Accountants relocated to 2 Chamberlain Square – part of the Paradise development. In doing so, they broke free from the traditional, office-based environment and embraced a dynamic space to encourage collaboration and innovation. This includes:
- A multifunctional hub in the central courtyard, which can be used for casual gatherings, formal meetings or even private work.
- Flexible furniture enabling quick reconfigurations for small and large events.
- A dedicated contemplation area for a quiet escape, plus biophilic design elements throughout the office.
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Absolute Collagen
Having grown from a mother-daughter venture founded at a kitchen table, Absolute Collagen needed a flexible, collaborative workspace for 70 employees. They wanted an office that was inspiring and agile while reflecting their passion for health, beauty and innovation. It includes:
- Large social areas filled with natural light through skylights, plus other biophilic elements to create an outdoor feel.
- Open-plan layouts with meeting rooms strategically placed in the centre for uninterrupted views.
- A kitchen area at the heart of the office to echo their family origins, plus mirrors in the boardroom to reflect the brand’s health and beauty focus.
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Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton wanted to adopt a more flexible working model when downsizing as part of a relocation to 103 Colmore Row. This required greater agility and flexibility from their workspace. Here’s how it was achieved:
- A wide variety of work settings are available, including task-based workstations, informal spaces and hideaway private areas.
- A large teapoint (the ‘heart of the space’) allows people to break away from their desks and socialise.
- The bright, positive working environment features plants and green walls, with acoustic features for sound absorption.
- There’s also a wellness room and aromatherapy pod to support workplace wellbeing.
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What does this mean if you’re looking to move?
If your business is planning to relocate, Birmingham’s surge in commercial property developments presents a huge opportunity. Whether it’s a relocation to Birmingham or a move within the city, you can choose from several prime locations to expand, attract talent and increase operational efficiency.
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Birmingham’s great transport links are now complemented by a choice of modern office spaces which are energy-efficient to reduce costs and improve your sustainability. Most importantly, these spaces can be tailored to your needs, whether that’s flexible hot desking for hybrid working or an open-plan layout for better adaptability.
Of course, there are a number of other factors to consider when moving or refurbishing an office. Here’s a quick overview:
- Business needs and future growth – Is the space the right size for your business now and in the future? Are there opportunities for expansion?
- Location and accessibility – Does the location have a suitable talent pool, proximity to transport links and facilities for parking?
- Budget and cost-efficiency – Does the office fit your up-front budget for relocation or refurbishment? Remember to factor in ongoing operational costs.
- Technology and infrastructure – High-speed internet, smart office features and modern security are must-haves for most businesses.
- Sustainability and wellbeing – Look for certifications like BREEAM and WELL.
Our guides dig deeper into these points to give you the full picture:
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The Office Refurbishment Guide & Checklist
We’ve put together everything you need to know about office refurbishment in one guide. You’ll learn which aspects are crucial to consider at every point of your office refurbishment, from appointing a project leader, all the way to move-in day.
Download now -
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The Office Relocation Guide & Checklist
An office relocation involves a lot more than moving – it provides a massive opportunity for positive change within your company. From when you should start thinking about the move, to how to assemble the best team: this is everything you need to know about an office relocation in one guide.
Download now -
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Build your business in Birmingham’s best spaces
Birmingham is fast becoming an attractive hub for businesses large and small. If you want to create the right environment for your team in the Midlands metropolis, Oktra is on hand to help.
Our industry-leading team provides office design and fit out services that are tailored to your requirements. With our help, you’ll benefit from a workplace that drives business performance, inspires your team and attracts the best talent from Birmingham and beyond.
To discuss your office relocation or refurbishment in more detail, book a consultation with our team. Or for further insights, read our guide to office space costs in Birmingham.
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Speak to a workplace expert
020 7553 9500
info@oktra.co.uk
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