Hammerson has submitted plans to transform a former department store at Grand Central, part of its Birmingham estate, into 200,000 sq ft of modern wellbeing-designed offices called ‘Drum’.  Designed by Ken Shuttleworth’s Make Architects, the proposals reflect Hammerson’s strategy to reinvigorate its prime urban estates through diversifying uses whilst maximising the re-use of embodied carbon in existing buildings.

As part of the proposals, the ground floor will be repurposed to deliver 40,000 sq ft of hospitality space with a restaurant, bar and food market that will complement the existing food and hospitality hub in Grand Central.  In addition, the proposals will create space for a premium grocery offer, gym, wellbeing amenities, flexible events space and cycle storage facilities.  The new space will support tenants and enhance the experience for other visitors. BGP is advising on the leasing of the hospitality & leisure space in the scheme.

Harry Badham, Chief Development and Asset Repositioning Officer at Hammerson, said: “This project is the next step in Hammerson’s vision to transform our Birmingham estate, creating a truly multi-use asset that thrives due to its relevance and diversity.

“Drum is an original and highly important evolution of workplaces, built on the principles of connectivity, amenities, and sustainability, and it is crucial we complement it by creating a vibrant public realm that provides new facilities and more choice for office workers and visitors. These proposals will create a new world-class restaurant and leisure hub at this key national interchange and gateway to the UK’s fastest growing city.”