The clamour to address Birmingham's fast-depleting stock of grade A offices has led to another project after plans were lodged to regenerate a vacant city centre building.

Property investor Ardstone Capital is hoping to renovate 1-3 Newhall Street, more commonly known Phoenix House, which has independent café Yorks on the ground floor but is otherwise unoccupied.

It is intending to improve the floorplates by extending the rear of the 12-storey building and adding a small projection to its front to create a new façade onto Newhall Street.

According to documents accompanying the application, there will also be a distinct new entrance, improved internal systems aimed at creating an efficient building, ground floor retail space and basement parking.

A design statement said: "Phoenix House has the potential to provide attractive office space in a prime location but changes to the floorplate and presentation of the building are essential in order to achieve a sustainable future.

"The layout of the office accommodation is in need of improvements and currently is unoccupied. As the city targets sustainable office development, it is necessary to adapt existing buildings to accommodate modern user needs.

"Phoenix House will provide a rejuvenated grade A office accommodation development in the heart of the business district within Birmingham city centre."

Birmingham is being increasingly seen as a key destination for companies, either to relocate existing staff or grow their network of offices.

Last year, Deutsche Bank moved several teams from London to Brindleyplace and HS2 will eventually house 1,500 staff in Two Snowhill.

Other key regeneration projects include Arena Central and Paradise while NatWest Tower, directly opposite Phoenix House, could soon be demolished to make way for a modern replacement.