IM Properties invests £9 million in refurbishment of offices in Coventry

Solihull-based IM Properties is reimagining the future of a landmark office building in Coventry city centre with the £9 million refurbishment of Sherbourne House.

The landmark six storey, 90,330 sq ft building will be relaunched as ‘Bourn’ after an extensive rethink around its form and functionality as a workspace and destination.

Aiming for completion in Summer 2022, it will be equally suited to both leading global operations looking for new headquarters and aspiring local businesses.

The new premium Grade A, high specification offices will offer a best-in-class customer experience, with sustainability underpinning the vision for its design, delivery and operation.

Wellbeing, smart technology and a sense of community and inclusion will also be at its heart.

Rob Hemus, asset director for IM Properties says Bourn is about creating an innovative new brand of offices as much as a new-look building.

“As well as being Net Zero Ready and targeting a BREEAM Very Good rating, its core values will encourage and support behaviours which are good for its people, the place and the planet.

“An occupier engagement strategy will be in place to connect Bourn to its surrounding rich cultural architecture and will also look to provide social value benefits to the wider community.

“Data and technology will reinforce its innovative edge, from mobile access to smart maintenance systems which will allow occupiers to monitor their own renewable energy usage and air quality.”

Hemus continues: “A contemporary feel will be reflected in the interiors with stripped back flexible floor plates and a new exposed M&E system.

“Planting both inside and out will promote a sense of wellbeing, offering a connection to nature, unifying the exterior landscaping with the communal areas inside.”

Being just a short two-minute walk from Coventry train station, Bourn provides a perfect platform to also recognise new green choices for travelling to work.

‘We’re creating a 48-space cycle hub in the basement of the building, with dedicated lockers, showers and changing facilities, so people can run, walk or cycle to work.

“We’re also installing 10 EV charging points to enable people to feel more confident about using electric cars for their commute, with provision for an additional 24.”

Hemus says occupiers who buy into Bourn are buying into a way of working aligned to modern, forward thinking occupiers who want to create a positive impact.

“We’re really excited to bring Bourn to the Coventry office market and are confident it will be seen as a major asset in the city.

“It comes at an exciting stage in Coventry’s transformation, accelerated by its City of Culture status, which will add further appeal to potential occupiers.”

IM Properties has a strong track record for delivering best in class office schemes, most notably 55 Colmore Row in Birmingham and Blythe Valley Park in Solihull.

CBRE and Bromwich Hardy are acting as agents on Bourn.