Leeds development joins Empire State Building with elite digital connectivity rating
Number One Kirkstall Forge has become the first ever commercial building in Yorkshire, and one of 40 buildings in the UK , to be awarded Wired Platinum certification by the digital connectivity rating company WiredScore.
The bronze framed 110,000 sq ft Number One Kirkstall Forge has scored Platinum – the highest level – and enters an elite club of iconic buildings which include the Empire State Building in America, The Shard and White Collar Factory in London and MediaCityUK, Salford.
Almost 70% let, Number One Kirkstall Forge is due for completion in November 2017.
Developer CEG has worked with Zenith, which is relocating its UK headquarters to the top four floors, Fox Lloyd Jones and Hoare Lea to deliver world-class connectivity and infrastructure.
Roger Marsh, chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, said: “This benchmark highlights that Leeds City Region is home to developments of the highest quality which meet the demands of modern occupiers that need reliable fast digital connectivity. Leeds is looking to become a pilot city for 5G technology and with a long tradition of innovation and technology revolutions from the first through to the fourth industrial revolution, its only right that our buildings be at the forefront of digital technology.
“This award comes at a time when our City Region is attracting significant attention from international digital businesses looking to grow or expand into the UK. In the last 12 months alone we’ve seen global digital media company Perform Group expand in Leeds and digital marketing agency Fractl select the city for its first international office.”
Nick Lee, head of commercial development at CEG, said: “This accolade is a real team effort and we couldn’t have achieved it without Fox Lloyd Jones and Hoare Lea. Kirkstall Forge was once at the forefront of the industrial revolution and it is now at the forefront of the digital revolution. This building truly is ‘different by design.’
“We will continue to respond to this occupier need, embracing world-class technology infrastructure on our other flagship developments in Leeds South Bank, SBQ Birmingham and Revolution, Ealing.”
Well established in America, WiredScore launched in the UK in October 2015 assessing and certifying commercial buildings across the country.
