Leading UK design and build construction company McAleer & Rushe has been announced as the contractor in a major £47m office project in Leeds city centre, which will see the global law firm DLA Piper occupy 83,000 sq. ft of prime office space.
City Square House which is being led by developer MRP, represents the largest private sector pre-let deal in Leeds in the last 20 years, with the site being the only remaining undeveloped property fronting City Square.
The project, ideally located adjacent to Leeds Station, is a very significant vote of confidence and is set to act as a post COVID catalyst for further investment, breathing new life into the City.
Designed by TODD Architects, the new office development will comprise 140,000 sq. ft sustainable and flexible Grade A office accommodation within a 12-storey building to include extensive reception and common areas, meeting the needs of occupiers in a post-COVID environment. There will be roof terraces on the 4th, 5th and 6th levels and extensive cycling, electric vehicle and e-bike charging point facilities.
The project’s remaining 55,000 sq. ft will support the pressing need for quality Grade A office space in Leeds City Centre with construction due to commence in May this year and completion targeted for Q4 2023.
Commenting Jonathan O’Neill, Senior Director at McAleer & Rushe said:
“We are looking forward to commencing work on this exciting new project in Leeds, which represents a very significant vote of confidence in the City Centre and an important boost for the wider economy in what has been a difficult year.
City Square House’s innovative and sustainable design will complement the sensitive and historic area of the city. We will work closely with all stakeholders to deliver this landmark office building and support a dynamic and prosperous commercial centre in the heart of the Leeds.”
Andrew Dyson, Leeds office managing partner at DLA Piper, said:
“Leeds is an integral part of DLA Piper and our move to City Square House reflects our long term commitment to the city. We currently operate across two sites in Leeds. The move will bring our people under one roof, in a state of the art working environment.
The new office will be great for our people and a significant asset as we continue to attract the very best talent in the region.”
Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said:
“City Square is already at the heart of life in Leeds and we are determined to improve it still further, creating a world-class space that is a source of pride for all our residents. The new development will help us achieve that aim and I look forward to seeing it take shape alongside the many other transformative projects planned for the city centre.
It also offers a timely reminder that Leeds is very much open for business, despite the huge challenges posed by COVID-19. Schemes like City Square House will form part of a Leeds-wide effort to ensure our economy recovers from the pandemic in a way that leaves no one behind.”
