Designs for Tower Square at Wellington Place unveiled
DESIGNS have been unveiled for Leeds’ newest public square, which will be at the heart of the new city centre office development Wellington Place.
Tower Square will stretch from the historic Lifting Tower to Whitehall Road, and, at 54,000 sq ft, is set to become one of the largest and most prominent public spaces in Leeds. Landscaped trees and planting will provide a natural setting for people to enjoy the ground floor shops, flexible seating and free WiFi.
The Old Wagon Hoist, dating back to 1850, will be located at the heart of the square as a reminder of the city’s industrial roots.
The square is set to host an array of community and charity events and activities as well as public art displays and installations to reflect the rich history of the site.
Tower Square is part of the new office scheme funded by CPPIB and Hermes Investment Management and developed by MEPC, which also manages Wellington Place.
It will open during the first quarter of 2016.
James Dipple, chief executive of MEPC said: “We see Leeds’s newest public square as being a truly unique urban space for everyone to enjoy. Our aim is to create a natural setting which not only connects Wellington Place, its history, buildings and all those who work in them, but is also a place for the people of Leeds to meet, eat, shop, relax and enjoy. We are excited to be creating what will be a superb and welcoming addition to our thriving city.”
Development around the square is in full swing with 6 Wellington Place overlooking the square currently being built.
When completed, it will offer six floors totalling 106,000 sq ft of office and retail space with a glass atrium, open light flexible floor plates, and floor to ceiling windows to capture as much natural light as possible.
Law firm Squire Patton Boggs has already agreed terms for two floors totalling 32,000 sq ft and will relocate its Leeds’s based staff from its offices on Park Lane during early 2016.
The building’s neighbour – 10 Wellington Place completed in April 2014 – is now 80% let with just 7,685 sq ft remaining.
Mr Dipple added: “We are on track with our development plans as we continue to create and build Leeds’s business community. 6 Wellington Place has already proved popular with the recent signing of Squire Patton Boggs. We are building for the future and Tower Square and 6 Wellington Place will be a stunning addition to our already well established development.”
