Low-Impact Refurbishment of 45 Church Street

Repositioned and Repurposed: 45 Church Street for Royal London Asset Management

Birmingham B3 / Landlord / 130,000 sq ft / 38 weeks

Repositioning for relevance in an evolving market

Once a prominent address in Birmingham’s commercial core, 45 Church Street had begun to lose pace with the market. As tenant departures increased and the building showed signs of ageing, Royal London Asset Management recognised a timely opportunity: reposition the asset to meet the evolving needs of modern occupiers and secure its relevance for years to come.

A strategic response to market change

With growing pressure from newer stock and changing tenant expectations, the focus was on upgrading the building’s infrastructure and amenities to enhance appeal and protect long-term value. Working alongside the asset management team, building managers and agents, we devised a phased refurbishment strategy that would allow works to proceed with minimal disruption to current occupiers.

A circular approach

Throughout the project, we prioritised the reuse of existing elements to reduce our environmental impact where possible. The reception desk and lift entrances were recladded, the teapoint was carefully cut and carved into a refreshed design, and existing lighting and furniture were thoughtfully repurposed. Much of the original flooring was retained and polished, while new decorative finishes modernised the scheme without resorting to full replacement.

In addition to supporting Royal London Asset Management’s sustainability goals, this resourceful approach preserved budget and programme, delivering environmental and commercial value in equal measure. The result is a modern, market-ready workspace that proves sustainable refurbishment can still deliver standout tenant experiences.

“It was about striking a balance between aesthetic transformation and economic delivery,” explains Lead Designer Tina Ridings. “By making smart design choices, we could breathe new life into the building without unnecessary waste.”

Blending local heritage with tenant appeal

The design pays homage to Birmingham’s rich industrial past, with bespoke artwork and metallic accents that reference the city’s heritage in jewellery and textiles. A reconfigured reception layout and double-height glazed façade now offer a more visible, open presence from the street, restoring the building’s sense of prominence and kerb appeal.

Repositioned and ready

45 Church Street is already proving its market appeal, with new tenants snapping up space as it’s released, validating Royal London Asset Management’s investment and strategic vision. This is a blueprint for value-led repositioning in action: future-ready, sustainable, and built for today’s occupier expectations.

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