Relocation is the key to global digital firm’s transformation
A provider of online technology to keep children safe in their digital lives is set to relocate to the £2.25m recently upgraded 2 Whitehall Quay, in Leeds city centre.
The move by Smoothwall from its current location at Leeds Valley Park near Rothwell, was brokered by strategic property and construction advisors, Fox Lloyd Jones on behalf of the property owner – specialist UK Real Estate Asset Manager, CatellaAPAM (APAM).
With Smoothwall operating in the education and public sector arena, its new base within a two-minute walk of the railway station gives it a springboard to realise its vision for hybrid working and talent acquisition across the UK.
To help support the company’s plans, Fox Lloyd Jones has negotiated a five-year lease for part of the second floor – 5,351 sq ft of work space – ahead of the move later this month.
The deal represents the first letting by Fox Lloyd Jones and joint agents CBRE at 2 Whitehall Quay following the extensive recent upgrade of the building, which included refurbished floor plates, common parts and a complete redesign of the reception.
Part second, fourth, fifth and sixth floors remain available, totalling 43,229 sq ft.
Gavin Logan, executive vice president for Smoothwall, said: “Our relocation to a beautiful building in the heart of the city centre is a major milestone for the business and gives us a strong foundation to grow, recruit the best digital talent and fully embrace hybrid working.
“With lots of green spaces nearby, it’s an environment that is conducive to intense focus and problem solving as well as creativity and collaboration. Being a global organisation, having strong transport links in the city was also key to our thinking.”
William Grenfell, senior asset manager at APAM, said: “2 Whitehall Quay is in a prime location by the river and canal towpath while also being only a couple of minutes’ walk from the railway station and city square.
“The recent refurbishment of the building boasts many features including a striking double height glazed reception.”
Harry Finney, senior surveyor at Fox Lloyd Jones, added: “The recent £2.25m refurbishment of 2 Whitehall Quay, coupled with its excellent location within 200m of Leeds Railway Station and City Square, has resulted in significant interest in the building.
“I’m delighted a pioneering digital business such as Smoothwall can now call it home.”
