Pictured above: (l-r) Alfred Bartlett (Bartlett Property), Suk Aulak (Chantrey Vellacott DFK), Jayne Herritty (Calthorpe Estates) and Ralph Minott (Calthorpe Estates)

Calthorpe Estates has announced the completion of a £1 million programme to transform flagship offices at 35 Calthorpe Road in Edgbaston, as leading accountancy practice Chantrey Vellacott DFK takes occupation of the Grade II* listed building.

Spanning 4,750 sq ft, 35 Calthorpe Road is a landmark Georgian building dating back to the 1820's.  Chantrey Vellacott DFK agreed a seven year lease on the premises at the end of 2010; and with the refurbishment programme now completed, the practice's 40-strong Birmingham team is relocating from its previous premises at Hagley Road.

Leading West Midlands based Shaylor Construction led the 23-week design and build programme. Stephen Shaylor, CEO of Shaylor Group, said: "The renovation of 35 Calthorpe Road has been completed by several parties who share the vision of a 21st century working environment within an historic and architecturally striking Georgian building.  

"The team behind the project worked together to overcome any challenges around the building's listed status, with the focus being to retain as many existing features as possible and to sensitively approach the improvements throughout. The end result is testament to the skill and passion of those behind the project."

Works to 35 Calthorpe Road included a 230m2, two-storey extension to the rear of the building, together with improved car parking provision and landscaping. Part of the existing roof has been painstakingly removed, with new structural steel works put in place to create a flexible, open plan environment. All steel works within the building were undertaken with great care to ensure existing features were not damaged in the process.

The building has been fully modernised by a mechanical and electrical refit throughout and specialist restoration works were also carried out, taking into account the building's listed status and the demands of modern planning requirements. As such, English Heritage was involved in many aspects of the project, providing advice and support throughout.

Specialist external rendering work was completed, while internally, specialist paints were used in accordance with heritage listing requirements. Works to the 180-year old timber floors were carried out so that the flooring complied with new office regulations, while the iron balustrading and rose wood hand rail on the original staircase were sensitively restored.

Suk Aulak, head of office at Chantrey Vellacott DFK in Birmingham said: "Taking occupation of 35 Calthorpe Road is an important milestone for the practice and the completed building really has exceeded our expectations. Not only will this high quality work environment assist us with attracting and retaining the very best staff, it also creates the right first impression for clients and fits perfectly with our aspirations for the future of the firm in the Midlands."

Ralph Minott, Director of Development at Calthorpe Estates added: "The customer-focused renovation of 35 Calthorpe Road reflects a continued commitment to improve and enrich the Estate, respectful of its heritage and the changing needs of today's office occupiers. Following the completion of this project, Chantrey Vellacott DFK has a bespoke office premises in a prominent location, while the wider business community stands to benefit from seeing one of the city's historic building's sensitively restored."

Chantrey Vellacott DFK is a member of DFK International, a top ten global association of independent accounting firms and business advisors, made up of more than 300 offices in almost 100 countries.

Bartlett Property Limited acted on behalf of Chantrey Vellacott DFK and DTZ acted on behalf of Calthorpe Estates.