A UNIQUE slice of Birmingham’s history has been sold for nearly £8 million ­– in the shape of the city’s former Stock Exchange.

The once imposing offices on the corner of Great Charles Street and Margaret Street were home to the city’s very own Exchange from 1928 onwards, and were the centre of Birmingham stockbroking until 1986.

Well-known Midland names such as Lucas began their life on the local exchange but the onset of new technology eventually dealt a mortal blow to traditional trading.

The 35,000 sq ft building, which is in a conservation zone, was in use continuously as a subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange until the Big Bang of 1987 resulted in its traditional dealing floor being replaced with new technology.

The building was bought by Birmingham-based developer Stoford Ventures Ltd in 2006, and a £1.85 million upgrade was undertaken, creating more modern and open-plan offices.