Professional services consultancy Barnett Waddingham has signed for 14,000 sq ft of office space at MRP’s 140,000 sq ft City Square House in Leeds.
The firm is relocating from another site in Leeds and is paying £37/sq ft with a 10-year break on the 15-year lease. Practical completion of the 12-storey building is scheduled for early next year.
Angus Monteith, development director at MRP said: “We are delighted to welcome a company with such an excellent reputation as Barnett Waddingham to City Square House. This latest signing means the development is now 85% pre-let with a final 22,000 sq ft available.
“Securing a 15-year pre-let deal is a very significant and positive statement of intent in the long-term future prosperity of office space in Leeds and, indeed, in urban centres throughout the UK. As we near completion of construction in early 2024, we expect this strong demand for the best workspace will continue.”
Eamon Fox, partner and head of office agency at global property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, who advised the landlord on the letting, added: “The Barnett Waddingham deal completes a magnificent hat-trick of high calibre companies moving into City Square House. City Square House is the iconic new office development that the Leeds market has been waiting for. It is in a prime position, just off City Square and next to Leeds Station, and the remaining available space of 22,000 sq ft will help to address the pressing need for quality Grade A office space in the city centre.
“This is a significant deal for the city of Leeds, a vote of confidence in the city and its economy. Amidst this challenging economic climate, this is just the boost the whole region needed and a genuine cause to be optimistic about the commercial property sector in Yorkshire.
“The regeneration of the city centre of Leeds is now paying dividends for the city’s economy and reputation and City Square House, so brilliantly developed speculatively by MRP, is a shining example of what can be achieved with vision and courage.”
