Iconic property will be back in the frame following multi-million pound revamp

A Leeds building, which played a starring role in one of the very oldest pieces of film in the world, is undergoing a multi-million pound transformation.

1 Sovereign Quay is on Leeds Bridge, which was the subject of French inventor Louis Le Prince’s pioneering film of industrial Leeds in 1888.

The grainy black-and-while film, showing people and carriages crossing Leeds Bridge, has achieved legendary status as the first moving picture sequence using a single lens camera and a strip of paper.

Le Prince disappeared without trace just two years after making his film about Leeds Bridge.

Eamon Fox, partner and head of office agency at the Leeds office of global property consultancy Knight Frank, which is marketing the building on behalf of Charles Street Buildings Group, explained: “This is a building which is steeped in history and is also so full of promise and potential for the future.

“Formerly known as Windsor House, this sleeping giant is now undergoing a multi-million pound makeover, including the addition of south-facing terraces and full-height glazing on the fourth and fifth floors, which will provide over 21,000 sq ft of stunning Grade A office space.

“It will offer the ultimate combination of character, prominence, positioning, design and stunning views across the city.”

Work has already started on the transformation of the building, which will be ready for occupation in the second quarter of 2022.

Fox added: “These brand-new Grade A offices will provide all that is needed for a modern inner-city working environment, with a major emphasis on staff health and wellbeing, sustainability and open plan design.

“Bespoke facilities will include glass walls, two private roof terraces, secure underground secure parking, storage for bikes, and access to state-of-the art showers and changing facilities.

“Crucially, all the office space will be open plan floor plates, ranging from 3,800 sq ft to 4,725 sq ft, ready to be tailored to individual business needs.

“We are looking to lease the offices floor by floor and we are already receiving strong interest.”