Extensive refurbishment planned for listed city office property
Developer Caddick is to expand the footprint of its Grade II listed building, Rose Wharf in Leeds, futureproofing the heritage property.
Having redeveloped Rose Wharf alongside Prose Investments Ltd back in 1996, the property specialist carried out a £4.6m transformation of this former flax mill to create an office environment.
A range of tenants have occupied the building over the last two decades.
Caddick now plans to reinvigorate the building, giving it a new look, while preserving architecture including barrel-vaulted ceilings, cast iron columns and internal stonework.
The business has also recently acquired a neighbouring building comprising 15,750 sq ft from Prose after a long joint venture partnership.
It will allow Caddick to provide additional flexible office space for business needs, as well as working with existing tenants should they wish to expand.
Refurbishments are set to start on site in late 2024 and the building’s spaces, ranging from 400 sq ft to 35,140 sq ft, will be available for leasing from early 2025, along with 109 car parking spaces with electric charging points.
Working with commercial design and build experts, Design Tonic, Caddick plans for the refurbishment to include a new business lounge with an independent café, shared workspaces and an outdoor terrace.
Fox Lloyd Jones and Carter Towler have been appointed as agents on the scheme.
Hollie Shackleton, senior asset and development manager at Caddick Developments, said: “We’re committed to continuing our investment in the Leeds city region, supercharging economic growth in the city and creating jobs, while at the same time repurposing this stunning building so it’s ready for the future.
“Rose Wharf is much more than an office building, it’s a bold reimagination of a waterfront location that creates usable and relaxing spaces for a variety of businesses, fuelling a dynamic, positive and productive working environment.”
Powell Rose of Prose Developments, said: “After several decades in the family company ownership, and many years of collaboration with Caddick, who have been a skilled and trusted partner throughout, we wish them well with the next phase of this iconic Leeds building.
“In full Caddick ownership, these will be very exciting times for Rose Wharf. We look forward to seeing the building blossom and flourish through this new round of investment.”
Nick Salkeld, director at Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “We’ve long admired Rose Wharf and are thrilled to be part of the team breathing a new lease of life into the building.
“Our vision is to deliver a new community-led workplace with unrivalled communal facilities set within a unique period riverside building boasting beautifully restored original features.”
Clem McDowell, Director at Carter Towler, said: “The refurbishment of Rose Wharf is a real step forward for the scheme, offering high grade office space for the end user, an amenity provision like no other in this area of the city and increased sustainability credentials for the building.
“Through its transformation we hope to create a thriving business hub that prioritises tenant engagement and productivity.”
