Independent property consultancy GBR Phoenix Beard has been appointed to manage Calthorpe Estates' property portfolio.

The family firm, whose roots date back to the early 18th century, owns the 1,500-acre Calthorpe Estate in Edgbaston which is currently undergoing a transformation project to create a work and leisure area called 'The Village'.

Victoria Burgin, a director at Birmingham-based GBR Phoenix Beard, will be the client director for the work with Calthorpe Estates, supported by fellow director Catherine Gabriel and property manager and surveyor Rakesh Joshi.

The agency will manage the commercial customer base which makes up the estate.

Calthorpe Estates' chief exexutive Mark Lee said: "I am delighted to welcome GBR Phoenix Beard to partner with Calthorpe Estates, having known many of their people for several years.

"It was imperative we found the right match for this brief...the synergy and shared values of our businesses have been evident throughout the appointment period."

GBR's managing director Simon Farrant added: "This is an extremely important instruction for us and follows many months of detailed discussions with Calthorpe Estates' management team to make sure we offer the right fit with the diverse range of stakeholders involved.

"We are extremely proud of our roots in Birmingham and can demonstrate detailed local knowledge of the property market in the city which will greatly benefit Calthorpe Estates' customers."