A Birmingham-based property development and investment company has announced a record start to 2014 with deal activity returning to pre-recession levels.

Calthorpe Estates said it had secured more new tenants in the first quarter of 2014 than in the same period over the last five years with lettings totalling 53,581 sq ft.

The firm's estate covers circa 1,500 acres in Edgbaston and the deals completed on office space in the area have amounted to a third of all office take-up in the city so far this year, according to the latest figures from the Birmingham Office Market Forum.

Jayne Herritty, sales and marketing director for Calthorpe Estates, said: "We are certainly seeing a return to a much more confident and buoyant commercial property marketplace.

"However, throughout the challenging market conditions, which have beset the property industry over the last five years or so, we have always worked hard to attract new and retain existing customers on the estate.

"Our hard work is paying off, and we have recently completed several lettings which will see a number of new tenants move to Edgbaston this spring, complementing the vibrant mix of existing businesses on the estate."

Two medical specialists have become the latest additions to the estate's Edgbaston Medical Quarter.

Specialist breast plastic surgeon Jonathan Staiano has taken 1,762 sq ft of space at 50 Frederick Road for his first Staiano Plastic Surgery Clinic while cosmetic treatment firm Courthouse Clinics is set to open its latest base in 1,789 sq ft sq ft at 8 George Road.

National chain of day nurseries Banana Moon has also joined the estate at 14 Highfield Road which will accommodate 50 children and employ 12 members of staff across 2,365 sq ft.

It was also announced in January that the first Costa Coffee Drive Thru in the UK will open at 60 Calthorpe Road in the autumn.