Offices to receive a creative space revamp

An office site in Leeds city centre’s creative quarter is to undergo major renovation works to provide striking new workspace under a new brand.

£2m has been committed to transform Chancellor Court at 21 The Calls into high specification space that combines exposed features with modern design.

Leeds-based creative agency Society Studios has rebranded the prominent buildings as The Coach Works. The name was chosen to reflect the heritage of the site as the former coach works for Wallace Arnold, one of the UK’s largest motor coach holiday tour operators.

The Coach Works is made up of two buildings totalling 41,479 sq ft.

Current occupiers include St James Place Wealth Management and Global Knowledge Network Training.

The property is owned by Regional REIT and is part of their extensive UK property portfolio which is now worth close to £800m.

The refurbished office suites over four floors will benefit from new raised access floors, LED lighting, break out areas and refurbished toilets as well as new shower facilities. A bike store will also be available on site.

London and Scottish Property Investment Management asset manage the entire portfolio on behalf of Regional REIT.

Ben Mitchell, senior asset manager at London & Scottish Property Investment Management, said: “We are delighted to be working with a local team of experts to help us reimagine the space at The Coach Works and really add something new to the inspiring cultural experiences that are becoming more prevalent within this area of Leeds.

“Leeds city centre has become an epicentre for the creative industries as we continue to see the ripple effect of prolific brands relocating to The North.

“The Coach Works will deliver inspirational, high quality office space in an area with superb local amenities, and only five minutes’ walk from the train station and retail heart of Leeds.”

Mike Holmes, business director at Society Studios, said: “We are pleased to work once again with London & Scottish Property Investment Management in helping them to take advantage of changing occupier demands and reposition the property to a product that stands out from the competition.

“As property marketing specialists we understand the challenges in transforming bricks and mortar into somewhere we would all aspire to live or work.

“We have taken inspiration from the site’s historic use as a coach park and used this to create some strong campaigns.”

Suites from 3,250 sq ft up to 10,000 sq ft are currently available to let at The Coach Works. Knight Frank and Cushman & Wakefield are marketing the scheme.

Elizabeth Ridler, of Knight Frank, said: “The office environment has come a long way in recent years. For employers to attract and retain good talent they need to provide spaces that are living hives of creative thinking, collaborative working and innovation.

“The Coach Works will offer exactly that and we are excited to be representing the scheme.”

Adam Cockroft, of Cushman and Wakefield, said: “The Coach Works will offer some of the most unique and striking workspaces, right in the heart of Leeds’ creative quarter, The Calls.

“With a fusion of original features and modern design, The Coach Works is set to be the ultimate high-spec creative workspace, surrounded by inspiration offering a plethora of businesses the opportunity to make a statement.”

The renovation programme is expected to complete by autumn this year.