Birmingham sets new 'super prime' office standard - pilot scheme reveals

The new scoring-based framework, authored by JLL, was tested on schemes delivering the highest standards of sustainability, wellness and tenant amenities. 

Birmingham’s most recent developments exemplify how regional cities are setting new benchmarks for office quality and attracting domestic and international occupiers.

A report also emphasises the strength of high-quality retrofits in regional markets, ensuring occupiers have access to sustainable, amenity-rich workplaces.

It revealed widespread dissatisfaction with current grading: 89 per cent of survey respondents agreed that a more robust framework would provide greater clarity and consistency. The report also shows sustainability is central, with 96.5 per cent of respondents rating sustainability certifications as vital to office quality – more than any other factor.

The study also found new priorities emerging - with health and well-being, smart technology and tenant amenities now seen as critical components of office quality, yet often overlooked in current classifications.

It also found the concept of 'super prime' office space is gaining traction, defined by superior environmental performance, advanced technology and premium amenities.

The research draws on input from 89 representatives across 41 organisations, including developers, agents, investors and occupiers, as well as data from more than 180 survey responses and multiple stakeholder workshops.

The proposed new BCO grading system would use a scoring-based approach that allows for more nuanced differentiation between buildings. This includes a flexible matrix adaptable to new-builds and retrofits, taking the form of a four-tier classification taking into consideration things like natural light, floor-to-ceiling heights, building management systems, WiredScore rating, WELL certification, energy sources, air quality and tenant amenities.

The framework has been tested on office schemes in London, Leeds, Manchester, Reading and Gloucester.

The proposed BCO grading aims to support better decision-making, improve transparency and align the industry with modern standards of performance and user experience.

Samantha McClary, BCO chief executive, said: “As demand for high-performing, sustainable and amenity-rich workplaces continues to grow, the industry needs a shared language to distinguish truly exceptional space. The proposed framework supports the market’s flight to quality and provides clarity for investors, developers and tenants alike. It’s about creating offices that deliver long-term value – for people, for performance and for the planet.”

Kelvin Craddock, director in tenant representation at JLL, added: “Birmingham is now firmly established as offering super prime office accommodation under the BCO grading system. Buildings like One Centenary Way, 103 Colmore Row and 3 Chamberlain Square are redefining what Grade A means, showing how sustainability and wellbeing are at the heart of the city’s growth. With a pipeline of future schemes, including 5 Centenary Square at Arena Central, the Birmingham market is well placed to capture demand from those occupiers seeing prime accommodation.”

Robert van Zyl, managing partner at Cundall and a BCO chair, also said: “Birmingham is increasingly setting new expectations for what Grade A should mean, integrating smart systems, premium amenities and sustainability credentials from the outset."

He said occupiers are making decisions with a focus on ESG and wellbeing and "this framework provides the clarity they need to benchmark options" and he added: "It’s a tool that will help the Midlands showcase its best buildings and attract businesses that want to be part of the city’s growth story.”