Leading pension advisors take top floor of city centre scheme

Isio, one of the UK’s largest independent pensions advisory firms, have taken the whole top floor at 34 Boar Lane in the centre of Leeds.

This deal, which accounts for 6,213 sq ft, is one of the largest office deals in Leeds in the second quarter of this year and follows the news that executive search firm Charlton Morris, relocating from Park Row, are taking the whole of the building’s third floor.

The building was recently updated by owners Kinrise, in order to “create one of the most dynamic mixed-use destinations in Leeds.”

Alongside the office space, the development will become home to street food specialists Mowgli once lockdown is lifted and it is safe to open. With the Liverpool chain leasing 3,000 sq ft on the ground floor.

Eamon Fox, partner and head of office agency at global property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, who are marketing 34 Boar Lane for Kinrise, said: “We are delighted to welcome Isio to this very special building. They will enjoy the most spectacular views over the city of Leeds and beyond from the fifth floor.

“We are choosing our occupiers very carefully. The spirit and ethos of 34 Boar Lane is crucial. Isio are one of the most exciting and progressive new pensions advisory companies in the UK and fit this aspirational culture perfectly. It’s in their DNA.

“We worked with Kinrise for over three years to find the correct property in Leeds to buy and now our ambitious vision has become a reality. We have transformed this well-positioned building into an exciting workplace at the forefront of the Leeds market. The lettings announced so far are a resounding endorsement of what Kinrise has achieved here.

“This project is a game changer and the radical redevelopment of 34 Boar Lane is another excellent example of the long-term strength of the Leeds office and investment market.”

Ian Warman, partner and head of the Iso Leeds office said: “I’m delighted to announce the signing of the lease for our new Isio office in Leeds for our circa 70 staff here. This is a clear further step in Isio’s evolution as an independent pensions advisory business and cements the importance of our regional offices for our clients and team.

“In selecting 34 Boar Lane, we’ve focussed on being able to provide a modern and flexible working environment, underpinned by leading technology, to support our clients. It’s an exciting time for me and the whole team.”

George Haddo, co-founder of Kinrise, added: “It is very exciting to announce this significant office deal with Isio, especially in this difficult climate. Our new flagship project in Boar Lane has been regenerated into an inspiring collaborative environment that offers our occupiers characterful, design-led office and co-working space with top technology as well an exciting range of independent restaurants, shops and events space.”

“Our aim is to turn iconic but un-loved buildings into creative work and community space. It means that the city’s heritage and soul lives on for the future and real cultural capital remains in the centre rather than being pushed further out of cities.”

Isio were advised by Adam Cockcroft, partner at the Leeds office of property consultancy Cushman & Wakefield, who added: “We are delighted to have been able to secure this fantastic space on behalf of our clients, Isio, and look forward to seeing them trading from 34 Boar Lane in this transformational time for them”.