The demand for industrial heritage office space in Leeds is increasing sharply according to leading global property consultancy Knight Frank.<\/u><\/p>\n
Leeds Chamber of Commerce writes:
\n<\/u>The example of the pioneering Round Foundry, which transformed a historic, but derelict area of the city into a thriving 21st century business location, has fuelled the desire for cutting edge office space, combining a heritage setting with modern technology, says Knight Frank.<\/p>\n
Eamon Fox, partner and head of office agency at Knight Frank in Leeds, commented: \u2018Recruitment and retention of talented staff is not just about the benefits package. Having an office that is both an inspiring and enjoyable place to work is now a critical, cost-effective way to successfully attract the most talented employees.<\/p>\n
\u2018Our future offices must break the mould of the past two decades. If organisations want to attract the best and keep their workforce, they need to create spaces that their staff will want to work in. The Round Foundry, with its ground-breaking mix of the ancient and modern, has led the way in Leeds.<\/p>\n
\u2018The newest generation of workers expect their office to be an inspiring and enjoyable place to work. Historically the preserve of technology and media firms, the new ideal office combines collaborative spaces with individual work areas, as well as providing amenities that encourage people to think of work as an extension of home,\u2019 he explained.<\/p>\n
Mr Fox cites the \u00a31.5 million on-going refurbishment of Concordia Works in Sovereign Street, close to the Round Foundry on the banks of the River Aire, as a solution to the increasing demand for trendy office space in Leeds.<\/p>\n
He commented: \u2018The 13,922 sq ft Concordia Works is a unique and striking property, set over five floors and situated just a short walk from Leeds City Station and the main retail heart of the city. Built in the early 20th century, this former yarn and cord warehouse is being refurbished by London-based developers Boultbee Brooks with modern businesses in mind, whilst maintaining its existing structure and original period features.<\/p>\n
\u2018The refurbishment, which will be completed by May next year, is a fusion of original features and modern design, creating a dynamic hi-spec loft-style workspace. The interior design respects the integrity of the warehouse\u2019s industrial past. Exposed brickwork, trusses and cast iron columns will play a major part in the building\u2019s new look. The result is five floors, ranging from 2,132 sq ft to 3,040 sq ft, of exceptional and adaptable open plan office space, offering a contemporary working environment for dynamic and creative businesses.<\/p>\n
\u2018Concordia Works has excellent transport links with the property just moments away from Leeds City Station and with the new southern entrance set to be complete by the end of 2015, commuting in and out of the city will be even more convenient. The M1 and M621 motorways are only a 5 minute drive away and 2 large multi-storey car parks are located 100 yards from the building\u2019s front door. For those who prefer a greener mode of travel, riverside cycle paths run close to Concordia Works,\u2019 explained Mr Fox.<\/p>\n
\u2018The impact of advancements in technology on the property market is likely to be significant as the requirements of a multitude of sectors including\u00a0logistics, retail, healthcare and more shift as innovative, \u2018smart\u2019 ways of working and living are embraced,\u2019 commented Mr Fox.<\/p>\n
\u2018The challenge for the property market is to keep pace with the changing face of technology; the latter is, on occasions, moving faster than the built environment can adapt to.<\/p>\n
\u2018However, the pioneering redevelopment of Concordia Works addresses this challenge head on. By creating cutting-edge workspace in an attractive, historic setting, Boultbee Brooks are satisfying a pent-up need for trendy office space in the centre of Leeds. We are already experiencing significant interest in the building,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n
Read more on the Leeds Chamber website<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The demand for industrial heritage office space in Leeds is increasing sharply according to leading global property consultancy Knight Frank. Leeds Chamber of Commerce writes: The example of the pioneering Round Foundry, which transformed a historic, but derelict area of … Continue reading