City’s first net zero commercial property underway

Work is underway by sustainable developer Citu to create a the first net zero carbon commercial building in Leeds.

The property, called “The Place” has been designed to be a healthier, more positive environment for businesses looking for a post-pandemic solution to working life.

Located on Leeds’ South Bank at the Climate Innovation District, The Place has been accredited Net Zero Carbon as assessed by the UK Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Framework.

The three-storey building will be ready to move into in early 2021.

Chris Thompson, Citu managing director, said: “What we’re increasingly aware of is how incredibly important it is for businesses to offer their staff healthy, positive workplaces where people want to be.

“Working from home has benefits for some but we still want to come together, to collaborate with our colleagues and to enjoy being at work, rather than simply performing tasks from our screens.

“Many typical offices are just not appealing and, at worst, feel unhealthy with false ceilings, air-conditioned, energy-sapping rooms. Inspiring, flexible workplaces are key to attracting and retaining talent.”

The development will feature a dedicated roof terrace which includes a tennis court, yoga spaces and ample room for events, relaxation, exercise and socialising.

Windows are floor-to-ceiling triple glazing in order to flood the building with natural daylight.

And high speed 10gb fibre internet will deliver the highest category of internet speeds in the city, helping address the growing needs of businesses to connect with remote and home-workers.

Workers at The Place will also benefit from landscaped public realm and links to the River Aire and new Aire Park which will be under construction in early 2021.

Thompson added: “We have created a building that is future-ready with maximum flexibility and freedom for businesses to adapt to change.

“We’re inviting anyone that shares our mission to make a positive contribution to the local area and to the planet to join us at The Place from next spring.”

Nick Salkeld, of Fox Lloyd Jones, agents acting on behalf of Citu, said: “The Place is a game-changing, forward-thinking development which businesses in Leeds should be really excited about.

“Connecting into the various amenities at Leeds Dock, there’s nowhere else like this in Leeds for forward thinking businesses to put down roots.”