Yorkshire-based property company Rushbond Group has secured planning permission for the redevelopment of the landmark Bank House office building in Leeds city centre – once the regional headquarters of the Bank of England.
The developer will embark on a programme to refurbish the circa 90,000 sq ft building to create Grade A office and associated amenity rich floor space. Plans also include an internal extension and the creation of a multi-level central atrium, transforming this significant building into a sustainable, energy efficient, accessible, best in class scheme.
The former bank vaults at lower ground floor will be repurposed to create a new auditorium, and those on the ground floor into a suite of meeting rooms. Rushbond also has plans to substantially restore the iconic exterior and create a new roof level business lounge and terrace.
Richard Baker from Rushbond said: “We are excited to have secured the next chapter for this important building. For more than 50 years, Bank House has been a landmark in the heart of the city’s commercial and financial district, and our planned redevelopment will ensure it meets the requirements of modern businesses.
“Rushbond’s long-term vision for Bank House is for a sensitive, best in class redevelopment which respects the significance of the building. The demand for Grade ‘A’ office space in Leeds remains strong and Bank House will deliver sustainable, energy efficient workspace to the highest design standards rich in occupier amenities – attracting a new generation of occupiers to be part of its future.”
Located on the corner of King Street and Park Place, Bank House – which was purpose built for the Bank of England between 1969-1971 – features an ambitious, European Brutalist-style design, clad in Cornish granite.
Rushbond believes the redevelopment will attract inward investment, as well as regional tenants looking for modern, highly specified, sustainable office space in a super prime location, which is at a premium in Leeds city centre. Work is anticipated to commence early in 2026, when the building becomes vacant, and to complete mid-2027.
