Milestone for prestigious 378,000 sq ft office development
On behalf of Legal & General, developer and asset manager, MEPC has celebrated the key handover of 7 and 8 Wellington Place in Leeds to HM Revenue & Customs and NHS Digital.
Attended by representatives of HMRC, NHS Digital, Hermes Investment Management, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), MEPC and Wates Construction, the celebration not only marked the completion of the building but also the community work that has been undertaken during construction.
Having already secured 13 sites for its regional centre locations, the 378,000 sq ft building will become the latest regional Government Hub for HMRC and NHS Digital.
The milestone marks the start of the internal fit-out process for 7 and 8 Wellington Place, which will be ready to welcome 6,000 public servants to the development, the first of which are set to move in later this year.
Since the start of the build, 7 and 8 Wellington Place has created 1,320 construction jobs, including supporting an initiative that will help the homeless through Wates’ partnership and Engage Leeds. Upon occupation, and the completion of 4 Wellington Place, the Wellington Place development will be the location for one in ten jobs in central Leeds.
Paul Pavia, head of development at MEPC, said: “The key handover ceremony is a significant milestone and we have worked hard alongside the team at Wates Construction, to deliver a building of this quality and scale, on time and on budget.
“These long-term investments at Wellington Place have a considerable impact on the region and will provide HMRC with a modern and collaborative workspace to use as their new regional centre.”
Chris Taylor, head of private markets at Hermes Investment Management, said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to have reached this point in the development of Wellington Place with the completion of Buildings 7 and 8.
“MEPC, as manager and developer, has ensured the scheme has been driven forward successfully, which is reflected in the commitment we have had from our occupiers, including HMRC.
“This marks a significant moment in the delivery of the Wellington Place and is a culmination of our ambition to provide high-quality commercial office space to major employers within Leeds city centre.
“The scheme reflects our holistic approach in action, to deliver excellent long-term investment performance and stewardship through the development of schemes that provide a greater sense of social sustainability and wellbeing for those who live, work and socialise there.
“The ongoing support of Leeds City Council has been invaluable in delivering these buildings, and we look forward to working with our customers to deliver ongoing value for their employees, the city and the surrounding region.”
Richard West, director of estates at HMRC, said: “Receiving this key is a significant milestone for us as we now move into the final phase in the development of this Government Hub.
“HMRC has a large and long-established presence in Yorkshire and its new regional centre in Leeds demonstrates commitment to the region and its economy.”
Marc Silverside, associate director of communications at NHS Digital, said: “Receiving this key is an important moment for NHS Digital as we look forward to co-locating our Leeds based staff into one modern, purpose-built site.
“The new Hub will revolutionise the way that we work and secures our future in a prime location in Leeds city centre. Our location is important to us to help attract the very best digital and technology talent across the entire region.”
Meanwhile, work continues across the development, with the latest building, 4 Wellington Place, due for completion in late 2020 and the construction of building 11 and 12 set to begin soon.
Buildings 11 and 12 are the latest phase of the masterplan and will offer 226,046 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation.
