Redevelopment starts at landmark city centre offices
Work has begun on site at 12 King Street, Leeds, following planning permission being given for the Grade A office building in September 2020.
The property was acquired in January 2020 on behalf of Fiera Real Estate Opportunity Fund V UK, (FRE UK) the latest fund in Fiera Real Estate’s venture series with CBRE Global Investment Partners.
Opus North has appointed GMI Construction Group to undertake the renovation of the building which is being developed speculatively and will deliver 54,500 sq ft of prime office accommodation once complete by the autumn of 2021.
The building has been designed by DLA Design to take into consideration the rapidly evolving office market.
Its transformation will include a striking new façade, complete replacement of the fifth and sixth floors, a state-of-the-art cycle spa and two new floors boasting a communal sky lounge with extensive roof terraces.
The project is intended to bring much needed high-specification office accommodation to Leeds.
Knight Frank and Fox Lloyd Jones are representing FRE UK and Opus North in seeking occupiers for this development.
Andrew Duncan, managing director of Opus North, said: “We are creating the post Covid-19 contemporary workspace in the heart of Leeds, where technology, open spaces, roof gardens, fresh air, air-conditioning, combined with an exemplary approach to customer service, ensure we are the best-in-class office product in the city.
“We have challenged our design team of market-leading consultants to innovate and think outside the box to ensure we’re not just ploughing the same old furrow and doing what’s been done before.”
Lee Powell, GMI divisional managing director, said: “12 King Street serves as one of the most-high profile and iconic developments within Leeds Central Business District and this landmark redevelopment project is drawing a lot of interest.
“Having undertaken the extensive refurbishment and redevelopment of the award winning ‘33 Wellington Street’ in Leeds for Walker Morris’ new office, it feels befitting that we have now been entrusted to embark on breathing life into Walker Morris’ previous office in the heart of the city centre.
“We are extremely happy and proud to be awarded this contract and entrusted by both Opus North and FRE UK to deliver the renaissance of this specular building.
“We look forward to working closely with Opus and FRE UK and the full professional services team.”
