Communications agency agrees 10-year lease for 11,000 sq ft HQ

Strategic communications agency CDS has signed a 10-year lease on a 11,000 sq ft property at Canal Wharf, Leeds.

It says this is designed to support ambitious growth plans, attract talent, and reflect the company’s digital and print capabilities.

The three-storey waterfront property has undergone an £750,000 transformation in a bid to provide an adaptable environment for the growing organisation.

Interior design and fit-out business Claremont managed the turnkey delivery of the six-month refurbishment, from the initial consultation to understand CDS’ needs, through to the design and physical build.

Work included a ground up rebuild in co-ordination with the Bailie Group landlord, refurbishment that included the removal of ceilings and installation of glass stairways, as well as extensive interior and exterior branding.

Significant attention has been paid to the design aesthetics of the space including moss walls and the inclusion of cycle racks and shower facilities.

Managing director of CDS, Mark Gair, said: “Our colleagues are immensely proud of the work CDS does, and they wanted an office that reflected the ground-breaking communications we provide.

“With Leeds accepted as a competitive and vibrant digital hub, we needed a HQ which reflected the forward-thinking, agile and challenging nature of our brand – as well as a place to welcome decision-makers from the likes of Ministry of Defence, the Cabinet Office and the inherited top brand B2C clients of SimpleUsability.

“Riverside House gives us the presence and environment we need both in terms of space and locality – and will benefit our colleagues and clients for years to come.”

Claremont account director, Patrick Ames, said: “This project has been a celebration of sociability, choice, agility and community from the beginning, and really shows the benefit of engaging employees in the design process.

“Our team really listened and responded to CDS’ particular wants and has created a distinct, well-equipped and feature-rich environment that can flex and adapt as the business continues to grow.

“The project has not been without challenges, particularly working within Covid-19 restrictions, but we still finished on time and to an exceptional standard, which we are hugely proud of.  The end result really does speak for itself.”

Gair added: “While some firms are looking to downsize, we’re doing the complete opposite.

“Our teams want an inspiring space which adapts to what they need from a workplace – and commute.

“Most of our colleagues either catch the train, run or cycle to work, so to find a blank canvas of an office, located just four minutes’ walk from the station, and right on the canal towpath, was ideal.

“Inside, we’ve dedicated the entirety of the ground floor to a multi-use social space, while creating over 40 separate working hubs – each designed to offer different settings in which to work, focus, meet and collaborate.”