Boost for future of ex-factory.

CHORD Deeley has kick-started the marketing of its Birminghambased Kettleworks office development with the appointment of GBR and DTZ.

The joint agents will be responsible for securing tenants for the 220,000 sq ft premises, which is phase one of Chord Deeley's pounds 160 million St Georges development, the biggest development in the Jewellery Quarter for 200 years.

The developer is to convert the former Swan kitchenware factory to BREEAM excellent office space, with single floor plates of up to 50,000 sq ft.

A fifth floor is planned for the building, which dates back to 1900. A neighbouring 1950s office extension will be extensively refurbished to complement its Victorian parent, and an adjacent warehouse will be transformed into a multi-storey car park.

The development will create a prominent gateway at the rundown Icknield Street entrance to the Jewellery Quarter, and is one of the biggest regeneration sites in the city. Upon completion it will include a range of office, residential and retail/leisure space, including two new hotels and the multi-storey car park, with workspace for 2,500 people.

GBR's John Griffiths said: "At pounds 15 per sq ft the Kettleworks fills a gap in the market for large, affordable floor plates close to the city centre."

CAPTION(S):

Tea up: (from left) John Griffiths, Tim Hurdiss (Chord Deeley), David Tonks (DTZ) and Chris Rosier (Chord Deeley).