BAM has won an £80 million contract to build a new office development in Birmingham.

Site surveys and pre-construction design work are now underway for 103 Colmore Row, the city's first purpose-built private rental scheme.

Designed by architects Doone Silver Kerr, the 223,631 sq ft scheme will be spread over 20 floors and features 7,665 sq ft of restaurant space on the ground and top floors. At 346ft high, it is the tallest new office building under construction outside London.

Other features will include a winter garden, an 18th floor terrace and multi-purpose lobby business lounges.

103 Colmore Row will be built on the site of the former NatWest Tower. Sterling acquired the site in November 2014 and, partnering with Rockspring, has worked the new scheme through the planning process, a 24-month phase demolishing the former NatWest Tower and preparation of the substructure, and the procurement of the new building.


Completion of the 26-storey building is scheduled for Q3 2020.

Michael Pryer, Partner and Fund Manager at developer Rockspring, said: "Birmingham is the UK's most exciting regional city. The investment in transport infrastructure and its youthful demographics have made it a magnet for occupiers and inward investors. Our confidence in Birmingham is such that we are moving 103 Colmore Row forward. It is, without doubt, the city's premier business address."

James Howarth, Managing Director of Sterling Property Ventures, said: "It has been a long haul to get to this day but it is undoubtedly a proud one. ‘103 Colmore Row will be a simply stunning addition to Birmingham's skyline, reflecting the aspirations of the city."

Rod Stiles, Regional Director for BAM Construction in the Midlands, said: "We've been working with our partners at Sterling and Rockspring already and are keen to start what will be a memorable addition to Birmingham's real estate."

(LM)