GILBANKS SERVICED OFFICE BIRMINGHAM
A premium workplace in the heart of Birmingham
ADT Workplace partnered once again with Gilbanks, this time to create their new high-end serviced office at Five St Philips.
Acting on behalf of RLAM via JLL as the employer and landlord, the brief was to deliver a refined, hospitality-led workspace that reflects both the building’s architectural character and the exacting standards of the Gilbanks brand.
A multi-level serviced office designed for experience
The project spans 22,000 sq ft across the ground, first, second and seventh floors, providing serviced offices, meeting rooms and event space. The ground floor forms a welcoming arrival point, with a hospitality-style reception, club lounge and meeting rooms that set the tone for the client journey.
Two serviced office floors offer a mix of private offices, call booths, shared lounges and breakout areas.
At the top of the building, a landmark seventh-floor suite delivers a premium meeting and event space, leading onto a terrace with exceptional views across the city, creating a memorable setting for members and visitors.
Delivered through a negotiated procurement route, the project was completed on a tight sixteen-week on-site programme, which required careful planning and close collaboration with all partners.
Designing with identity, efficiency and precision
The existing CAT A base build featured exposed M&E services and elegant bespoke ceiling rafts, which were retained as part of a value-engineered approach. Integrating these elements reduced MEP fit-out costs while maintaining the building’s distinctive character.
The ceiling rafts required precise coordination, particularly across cellularised areas where enclosed offices and meeting rooms were needed. ADT Workplace planned the layout, services and lighting strategy around these features to ensure seamless continuity, strong acoustic performance and a cohesive visual finish.
This approach created a space where CAT A and CAT B elements complement each other, supporting both aesthetic and operational performance.
A refined, hospitality-led aesthetic
Gilbanks is known for creating focused, calm and elegant workplaces that combine a refined hospitality-led experience with the functionality of a premium office. This philosophy shaped the entire scheme.
The design incorporates:
- Warm timbers, brass detailing and marble finishes
- Plush textiles and soft textures
- Biophilic cues and integrated planting
- A rich, elegant colour palette
Every client-facing touchpoint, from lounges to meeting suites, reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and comfort. The workspace offers a variety of work settings, supporting focus, collaboration and productivity.
Balancing function, wellbeing and brand identity
The project prioritises user comfort, wellbeing and flexibility. Members can choose from meeting rooms, private call booths, lounges or collaborative zones, ensuring the workplace suits a range of working styles. Ergonomic furniture, thoughtful lighting and acoustic treatments contribute to a calm, high-performance environment.
Rather than overt branding, Gilbanks expresses its identity through service materiality and detail. The quality across all floors strengthens brand recognition and maintains an elevated atmosphere.
Collaborative delivery and technical excellence
Achieving a luxury finish within a fast-track programme required strong coordination between ADT Workplace, JLL (acting for RLAM) and Jones Hargreaves (acting for Gilbanks). Technical decisions were aligned early so that the scheme delivered design impact without compromising cost, performance or programme.
ADT Workplace ensured full compliance with the RLAM sustainability tracker, protecting the environmental integrity and accreditations of the CAT A base build.
Positive feedback and early success
ADT Workplace
The Workplace, Zebra Court, Greenside Way, Manchester M24 1UN
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