WSP, the engineering professional services consultancy, has snapped up 19,000 sq ft of Grade A office space at 3 Wellington Place with plans to move in during Q2 of this year.
Across the UK, WSP is embarking on a significant recruitment drive in 2022, adding to the 400 people the firm currently employs across Yorkshire to support clients including Leeds City Council, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The new office space at Wellington Place will act as a blueprint for WSP’s new ‘workplace of the future’ standards, focusing on employee wellbeing, collaboration and sustainability.
3 Wellington Place has a BREEAM Excellent rating as well as electric vehicles charging points, bicycle stations and quicker access to public transport, particularly Leeds train station.
Mathieu du Plooy, Chief Operating Officer, UK & South Africa at WSP, said: “People are the beating heart of any business and it’s so important to provide spaces which enable great team relationships, increase collaboration and ultimately enhance people’s experience. At WSP, we’re excited to see our workplaces being thriving hubs once more – where collaboration is easy and development a priority – and 3 Wellington Place in Leeds will help us achieve that.”
Matthew Wherry, head of corporate real estate at WSP UK, said: “Our new office in Leeds city centre will provide access to fantastic amenities for our people and an exciting hub to support WSP’s future growth in the region. Our focus on employee wellbeing played a major role in selecting Wellington Place as our new Yorkshire base, with the broad range of community initiatives available to us.”
The deal for WSP was advised on by global property consultancy Knight Frank, whilst Savills acted on behalf of MEPC.
Paul Pavia, head of development at MEPC Wellington Place, added: “WSP is a leading name in its field, and we’re honoured that it has chosen Wellington Place as its new Leeds base. Its reasons for locating to Wellington Place are a testament to the strong sustainability credentials and community feel at the development, as well as the range of initiatives and events that the team put on for our occupiers.”
Richard Clark, partner at Knight Frank Leeds, who advised WSP, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with WSP to secure a city centre office space that suits its needs, whilst offering a sustainable solution for its business.
“WSP is moving into one of the finest office buildings in the city. Apart from the BREEAM excellent rating, 3 Wellington Place offers extensive amenities including basement parking, bike maintenance stations, electric vehicle charging points and shower/changing facilities, plus cafes and restaurants at ground level.”
