Investment transforms city centre office site
A renovation programme has been completed to transform an office site in Leeds city centre, ahead of June’s ‘return to the workplace’ plans.
The Coach Works is the result of major investment by Regional REIT to turn over 41,000 sq ft of Grade A workspace that was formerly known as Chancellor Court at 21, The Calls.
It now incorporates features that maximise hygiene and safety, including enhanced ventilation, automatic doors and ‘sani-stations’ as well as ‘super-loos’ with touch free operation in self contained cubicles.
The development is made up of two buildings, with current occupiers including St James Place Wealth Management.
The rebrand to The Coach Works was conceived by Leeds creative agency Society Studios and represents the interesting heritage of the site as the former coach works for Wallace and Arnold, one of the UK’s largest motor coach holiday tour operators.
Suites are available from 3,250 sq ft up to 10,000 sq ft with the benefit of a shared reception and breakout spaces.
The property is owned by Regional REIT and is part of its UK property portfolio worth more than £700m. London & Scottish Property Investment Management (LSPIM) asset manages the portfolio on behalf of Regional REIT.
Ben Mitchell, senior asset manager at LSPIM, said: “We are delighted to complete the extensive redevelopment of this prominent office location.
“Considerable time and attention to detail has been invested in the scheme with major alterations made in consideration of the pandemic and safer environment expectations.
“The completion is timely as many businesses gear up for a return to the office with a very different mindset and space requirement.
“Evidence shows the business community at large is craving human connection and engagement, and we believe the new Coach Works provides an inspiring environment for the new way of working.”
Elizabeth Ridler, partner at the Leeds office of Knight Frank, said: “This investment is a mark of confidence in the Leeds city centre office market where investors remain committed to redevelop prime Grade A stock in line with demand, particularly in the south side of Leeds where there is immediate access to the railway station and motorway network.”
Sam Jamieson, associate at the Leeds office oaf Cushman & Wakefield, added: “Leeds city centre has become an epicentre for the creative industries as we continue to see the ripple effect of high-profile brands, such as Channel 4, relocating to The North.
“The Coach Works offers high-quality office space in an area with superb local amenities, and only four minutes walk from the railway station and retail heart of Leeds.”
KPP Architects designed the new space and the redevelopment was delivered by local contractor JP Wild.
