Company chosen to fit out 378,000 sq ft office development
A contractor has been appointed to lead the fit-out of 7 & 8 Wellington Place, Leeds, on behalf of HM Revenue and Customs. (HMRC)
The work will be done by Wates Construction. Completion of the multi-million pound building in Leeds’ new urban quarter will see HMRC and NHS Digital located in a new, modern and flexible work space in 2020.
HMRC is part of the wider Government hub strategy, delivering phase one of the Government Hubs Programme through its regional centres.
The Government hub, with HMRC as the largest occupier, will accommodate nearly 6,000 civil servants. HMRC’s Leeds Regional Centre, located within the hub, will be one of HMRC’s 13 regional centres across the UK.
With building work at 7 & 8 Wellington Place scheduled to be finished by the end of 2019, the fit-out of the 378,000 sq ft building will begin before Christmas, and is due for completion by the end of 2020.
With a net area of 35,775 sq m, the fit-out will extend across all eight floors of Leeds’ newest large-scale building, taking the existing ‘Category A’ finish to a move-in ready state.
The fit-out will include the installation of sliding and glazed partitions, feature ceilings, enhanced mechanical and electrical systems, and 30,000 sq m of carpets.
The final phase is expected to be finished by November 2020, ready for HMRC to move in and establish its new base in Yorkshire.
The appointment adds to Wates’ extensive portfolio at the commercial development, which includes the completion of buildings 3, 5, 6 and 10 Wellington Place and the current construction of 4 Wellington Place on behalf of developer and asset manager, MEPC.
Wates has played an important role in supporting the local community since works started. Throughout the construction of 7 & 8 Wellington Place, it has introduced a number of projects, including a pilot employment scheme to help some of the area’s most vulnerable and at-risk individuals.
The site team also undertook activities to tackle homelessness, including volunteering at St George’s Crypt and implementing a ‘pay it forward’ programme, where money donated was used to buy food vouchers, which were then distributed to homeless people across Leeds.
David Wingfield, business unit director, Wates Construction North East & Yorkshire, said: “We’re delighted that we’ve been given the opportunity to see this iconic construction project progress.
“Working on Wellington Place has been a real pleasure for the whole team and we’re pleased to be continuing our role here and building on the exceptional work we’ve already delivered on site.
“Once finished, 6,000 civil servants will occupy this brand new government hub and will bolster the thriving business community that has already been established at Wellington Place. We’re proud of our part in making this happen.”
Paul Pavia, head of development at MEPC, added: “It’s fantastic news that Wates has been appointed to carry out the fit out for 7 & 8 after rising to the challenge of constructing this ambitious building.
“When 7 & 8 opens as the new regional Government Hub, Wellington Place will be the base for up to 11,000 employees – an exciting milestone for both the development and businesses like Wates which have helped make our vision for Leeds’ business district a reality.”
