Property agents predict that professional firms will now rush to snap up office space at Birmingham's Eastside. This upbeat prediction follows this summer's move by construction consultancy Bucknall Austin to new offices at Millennium Point.

With Bucknall Austin's relocation, all the space that was originally allocated for office use at Millennium Point has now been let - an important moment for Eastside, says Ben Thacker, of international property adviser, GVA Grimley, which acted for Millennium Point on all office lettings.

"Bucknall Austin is the first professional firm to move to Millennium Point," says Mr Thacker.

"Just as a number of high-profile businesses and professional firms took the decision to leave the traditional square mile and relocate to Brindleyplace on Birmingham's west side, so the take-up at Millennium Point signals a new era for Eastside.

"In fact, due to demand, Millennium Point management is exploring options to deliver more office accommodation through fitting out existing shell units as offices.

"Millennium Point was always the catalyst for development in the area but the recent lowering of the concrete collar at Masshouse Circus, coupled with the extensive refurbishment of nearby Moor Street Station, has made Eastside much more feasible as an office location."

GVA Grimley reports significant interest in local office development, primarily at David McLean's masshouse, where 400,000 sq ft of high-quality offices are proposed, and Curzon Park, which could provide up to one million sq ft.

The latter scheme is being brought forward by Eastside Partnerships and Advantage West Midlands and has been encouraged by plans for the new Richard Rogers-designed city library and city park.

GVA Grimley is submitting planning applications for both in October.

Access to the city centre is improving all the time, enhanced by the recently-opened Bullring retail destination and, in the near future, by the mixed-use development coming forward at Masshouse.

"It all adds up to a big new opportunity, not just for the property industry but, critically, for the city to attract in those office occupiers that will continue the ongoing investment in Birmingham," concludes Mr Thacker.