Bruntwood SciTech Builds on Birmingham Investment Momentum as Accenture Chooses New Office at Cornerblock

Accenture, the global professional services firm, has become the latest firm to join Cornerblock’s diverse community of innovation-led businesses, taking the 116,000 sq ft, nine storey, landmark building to near-full (97%) occupancy.

Already part of Bruntwood SciTech’s network through its presence at Circle Square in Manchester, Accenture was drawn to Cornerblock due its prime location and state-of-the-art facilities following the building’s half a million pound refurbishment. Located in the heart of Birmingham’s Colmore Business District and a key contributor to the city’s growing knowledge economy, Cornerblock puts Accenture at the heart of a rapidly growing destination for innovation-led and professional services businesses and opens up new connections to over 130 digital, tech and innovation-led companies who are part of Bruntwood SciTech’s ecosystem in Birmingham.

Locating with Bruntwood SciTech in Birmingham – the UK’s largest property platform dedicated to the growth of the innovation economy, and a joint venture between Bruntwood, L&G and Greater Manchester Pension Fund – gives Accenture 9,000 sq ft of high-quality, all-inclusive, bespoke workspace at pace.

A thriving hub for growth in Birmingham’s business district

Over the past 12 months, Cornerblock has continued to attract forward-thinking companies seeking to be part of a thriving, well-connected ecosystem designed for innovation and impact - including health promotion specialists ToHealth Ltd, leading renewable energy provider Bryt Energy, and award-winning accountancy and advisory firm PKF Smith Cooper.

This strong momentum has taken the building to almost full occupancy, with just two suites totalling 2,600 sq ft remaining.

The ongoing demand for space has been supported by Bruntwood SciTech’s £500,000 investment into future-ready, sustainable workspace at Cornerblock, strengthening the already popular location’s appeal.

Designed to support flexible ways of working, the refurbishment created a new arrival experience with an enhanced reception and concierge service, while new breakout areas and a coworking lounge provide flexible spaces for meetings, collaboration and downtime.

Cornerblock also promotes a healthy work-life balance, with the largest private roof terrace in Birmingham available to host and celebrate employees and clients, in addition to a new cardio and weights gyms, and refurbished changing rooms.

The building’s sustainability credentials have been significantly enhanced through previous investment works, aligning with Bruntwood SciTech’s ambitious net zero targets with the building now powered through 100% renewable energy and being net zero carbon across all of its communal spaces.

Mohamed Ali, Associate Director, Bruntwood SciTech, said: “As Birmingham continues to gain momentum as a national and global destination for innovative and future-focused businesses, so too must the workspaces that support them evolve. This latest addition to Cornerblock not only reflects the importance of creating modern, adaptable environments, but also the value of close collaboration with our customers."

“By welcoming Accenture, we have not only retained them within our nationwide network but strengthened the wider Bruntwood SciTech ecosystem here in Birmingham. As the region continues to attract global innovators, we are proud to provide the infrastructure and support that helps them scale and thrive.”

Bolstering Birmingham’s business community

Over the past year, Bruntwood SciTech has welcomed twenty new innovation-led businesses and supported the growth of five more across its Birmingham hubs - including Centre City, Cornwall Buildings, Mclaren, Innovation Birmingham and Birmingham Health Innovation Campus. This momentum reflects the region’s growing reputation as the UK’s leading tech and innovation hub outside of London.

To meet this demand and continue fuelling regional growth, Bruntwood SciTech has invested £52.5 million into Birmingham over the past 12 months, helping to create the infrastructure, connections and environments needed for startups, scale-ups and global firms to collaborate and thrive.

The agreement was facilitated by Savills and CBRE.