One of Birmingham's most-prominent new office developments has reached practical completion.
One Centenary Way is the third office building to be completed on the £1.2 billion Paradise scheme, with lead developer MEPC now commencing a programme of internal fit outs for future tenants.
The 13-storey, 280,000 sq ft building has been completed despite the effects of the covid-19 pandemic and the complexity of its location above one of the A38 tunnels.
It has been topped off with a 'sky lantern' which provides a 360-degree light display capable of changing through more than one million different colours and also has a cycle hub with space for 330 bikes and changing facilities. A large gym and wellness centre is also planned for the lower ground floor.
A lease deal has already been agreed with one of the firms working on the project, built environment consultancy Arup, for 68,000 sq ft over three floors.
The global firm's West Midlands team is currently based in Solihull but around 1,000 staff are set to relocate to this new home later in the year.
US investment bank Goldman Sachs is also moving its Birmingham-based team out of serviced offices to the building, after agreeing a massive deal last year for 110,000 sq ft across the top five floors of the building, including a roof terrace overlooking Centenary Square.
Rob Groves, regional development director at MEPC, said: "The practical completion of One Centenary Way is another significant chapter in the story of Paradise and the city.
"It is a testament to the dedication and collaborative approach of the construction and design teams to deliver this complex new building with its exceptional smart and sustainability credentials.
"The early success of the lettings only highlights that its exceptional quality has been recognised and endorsed by leading global businesses.
"As we continue to gather momentum around Paradise and build upon the huge progress we have made so far with phase one and now the first building completing as part of phase two, we can look forward with confidence to further buildings and phases coming ahead."
Phase one of Paradise included office blocks One and Two Chamberlain Square while future work includes the new 49-storey apartment tower Octagon, currently under construction, and a new 152-bedroom hotel and office building next to Town Hall, both of which have consent.
Stuart Bale, project director at contractor Sir Robert McAlpine which built One Centenary Way, added: "This project has been one all of us involved in are tremendously proud of.
"Since our involvement over the last five years, we've collaborated and applied our knowledge and expertise to overcome one of the most complex sites in the city.
"With many bespoke challenges, the delivery of One Centenary Way is certainly a flagship scheme that takes its place as one of the very best buildings in the city."
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