Law firm Hammonds has kick-started a £10 million overhaul of its central Birmingham office with the help of Warwickshire-based Pettifer Construction.

The refurbishment programme will transform Hammonds' Edmund Street base - its home since 1963 - into flagship office facilities.

Hammonds' 230 staff along with clients will benefit from a raft of enhancements including a ground floor café, an executive lounge and a new double height entrance to the building.

The offices will also undergo a complete exterior facelift.

Pettifer won the work following a competitive tender process.

The win comes on the back of a strong year for Pettifer which has seen it successfully change the face of Leicester city centre's skyline with the transformation of St George's Tower and Queen Street apartments.

Ian Forrest, office head for Hammonds in Birmingham, said: "This project will provide a platform for the firm's future in the city.

"We have outstanding staff, a strong client base, and great ambition for the future. We are delighted that Pettifer will help us realise part of that ambition by delivering first-rate facilities for our people and our clients here in Birmingham."

Bob Macpherson, director of Pettifer Construction, said: "The Birmingham commercial property market as a whole is gathering momentum and we are pleased to now be a part of this with Hammonds."

Work is expected to complete in summer 2009.

DTZ is advising Hammonds on the refurbishment project.

CB Richard Ellis advised the building owners Remax Rutland on the renegotiation of the lease and the base construction works.

Architect Seymour Harris is responsible for the changes to the building's elevation and main reception.

Hammonds is a leading commercial law firm with offices throughout the UK, Europe and in Asia.