A trio of property consultancies have been appointed to advise the developers of the NatWest Tower in Colmore Row on future lettings.

The landmark building, officially called 103 Colmore Row, was acquired by developer Sterling Property Ventures and funder Rockspring last year.

Plans were submitted in January to demolish the 22-storey tower with a further application for its replacement due later this year following a public consultation which launches next week.

Colliers International, DTZ and Knight Frank have been selected to secure office and leisure occupiers for the building.

The plot, on the corner with Newhall Street, has been vacant since 2003 and has planning permission for a 35-storey tower but Sterling and Rockspring are currently revising these plans.

A smaller scale development is proposed, similar in size to the existing structure which was designed by John Madin and finished in 1976.

Their proposed 21-storey tower will provide around 200,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation, addressing a pressing need for more quality office space in the city, and 10,000 sq ft of leisure space, including a rooftop restaurant.

James Howarth, managing director of Sterling Property Ventures, said: "Our timescale means we can start work on the new building as soon as the site clearance is complete, with the new tower erected by the end of 2017 - the first new office building to be delivered in Birmingham’s central business district since Two Snowhill.

"We are developing the site speculatively but the lack of Grade A space in the city means we are already having conversations with potential occupiers so the need to appoint agents was pressing.

"We are also keen to sign up a high-profile restaurant operator early doors as this is a key USP for our scheme."

Doone Silver Architects is working on the revised design.