Design consultancy to ship Grade A workspace at Duran Duran’s former rehearsal studio
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Office Principles, an interior design firm based in the Midlands, was selected to carry out a Class A office conversion on the site of a legendary former nightclub in Birmingham city center.
The consultancy will design and renovate more than 16,000 m² of space in the two-story Rum Runner Works building in Regency Wharf on behalf of the landlord Picton Property Income.
Office Principles’ design incorporates historical elements, exposed services, and lighting to give the glass and steel structure an industrial feel that echoes Regency Wharf’s manufacturing past.
The rooms are characterized by high ceiling heights, including a double height reception area and fully accessible raised floors. Partitions will be removed from the top floor of the building to create an open mezzanine with an internal parapet.
Residents also benefit from elevators, bicycle storage facilities, showers, private outdoor patios and a central courtyard that provides space for events and functions with expansive views over the Gas Street Canal Basin.
The building’s facade will be sandblasted to reveal the original stonework and lighted signage will be placed in keeping with the site’s heritage.
The unique, self-contained building can be rented as a single 16,180 m² main building or as a flexible office suite measuring 3,741 m².
The Rum Runner, founded in the 1960s, became famous during the Neo-Romantic era as a guest performance and rehearsal location for Duran Duran. There were live gigs in the original club and Dexys Midnight Runners and UB40 provided free rehearsal space. The building was demolished in 1987 to make way for the Hyatt Hotel.
The current Rum Runner Works building most recently housed the Jimmy Spices global buffet restaurant, which has moved to brand new premises in an adjacent building, also owned by Picton.
Gary Tailby, Managing Director of Office Principles North said, “Rum Runner Works is part of a site with a fabulous history and we are excited about the challenge of bringing the building back to life as a unique office space. Our design will restore the building’s personality and maximize many of its original features, as well as adding new outdoor spaces so residents can enjoy the canal surroundings. We will also be installing a new elevator, staircase and reception area without adding to the existing structure, making this a cost-effective project that adds significant value to the building. “
Theo Holmes, director at CBRE who is the leasing agent, said: “Rum Runner is one of the most eye-catching office concepts to hit the market in recent years. The combination of the location and the on-site amenities is truly unique on the market. Offering a mix of new and old will really appeal, and it has never been better connected with the new subway line that runs outside of the program. “
