John Shepherd sets up shop at The Grand

Residential estate agents John Shepherd is opening its first office in Birmingham city centre at Hortons’ Estate’s The Grand on Colmore Row.

The firm has agreed a ten-year lease on Unit 6 (2,120 sq ft) at an annual rent of £60,000.

Established in 1991, John Shepherd has grown to be one of the leading estate agents in the West Midlands, with offices in Solihull, Hockley Heath, Knowle, Dickens Heath, Sutton Coldfield and Stratford-upon-Avon.

The company provides a full range of services, including advice on specialist land and developments, surveying, conveyancing and financial services, as well as residential sales and lettings.

John Shepherd, chairman of the John Shepherd Group, said:

Our new ground floor presence on Colmore Row is part of the original Grand Hotel and occupies one of the most prestigious and premier positions in the city within the heart of the business quarter.

I will be actively involved in the day-to-day business of the new office, making a welcome return to my roots; my first job as a chartered surveyor was on Broad Street, Birmingham.

John Shepherd is the fifth tenant to sign up at The Grand, following lettings to 200 Degrees Coffee, Crockett & Jones, The Alchemist and Gusto.

The retail units along Colmore Row have been refurbished as part of the multi-million pound restoration of The Grand by owner Hortons’ Estate.

To date, the family-owned property company has spent £14m on the restoration.

Tony Green, chief executive of Hortons’ Estate, said:

We’re extremely pleased with the response we have had from potential occupiers interested in the retail space at The Grand.

As a result of the brisk lettings activity, we now have just two retail units remaining.

Wright Silverwood advised Hortons’ Estate on the letting.