Two major occupiers have taken up two floors at Opus North and Fiera Real Estate UK’s (FRE UK) newly completed building, 12 King Street, in the heart of the Leeds Business District.
A global financial services group is set to occupy the entire top floor (6,485 sq ft) on a 10 year lease, whilst UK based private equity firm Endless has signed a deal to occupy the ground floor (5,845 sq ft) on a 10 year lease. The two companies will each relocate their staff from their current locations in Leeds to take residence at 12 King Street – a landmark building which comprises 54,000 sq ft of Grade A space and features wide-reaching technology and energy-saving initiatives.
A significant £10m transformation of the building, which was completed in June 2022, includes a striking new facade, a complete replacement of the fifth and sixth floors, a state-of-the-art cycle spa, extensive roof terraces and the addition of a sky lounge which offers a unique communal space for occupants.
Sustainability and environmental considerations have also been at the forefront of the design of the redevelopment. The scheme has achieved a 14% reduction in carbon emissions, 29% less energy consumption for heating and cooling, and 42% less water consumption.
Ryan Unsworth, director at Opus North, said: “We are thrilled to secure our first two major occupiers who will be relocating their main offices in Leeds to 12 King Street. It’s a real testament to what is happening in the office market – occupiers are seeking the very best, most-inspiring, workspaces for their teams and clients, as well as demanding buildings with strong sustainability and environmental credentials.”
Chris Button, head of Value Add at FRE UK, added: “We are delighted to have secured two market-leading occupiers for this landmark building, which has been substantially remodelled and refurbished to achieve our ambition of delivering a cutting-edge office space that promotes wellbeing and a truly future-proofed building in one of the UK’s major regional markets.”
Nick Salkeld, director at Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “We’re very proud to have acted on these two significant lettings marking a key milestone for both the building and Leeds office market. 12 King Street has set a new benchmark for its combined sustainability, wellbeing and digital connectivity features and it’s a true testament to welcome both businesses as our first occupants.”
There are five remaining floors ready for occupation, with Knight Frank and Fox Lloyd Jones acting as letting agents on the scheme.
