Deal brokered for 34,000 sq ft of space at landmark city tower
Martley Capital Group has agreed terms with premium commercial amenity and workspace provider x+why to occupy 33,990 sq ft in Bridgewater Place, the 30-storey mixed-use tower in central Leeds.
x+why, will occupy the first, second and ninth floors of Bridgewater Place and a new 5,000 sq ft roof top terrace on a 10-year agreement, in addition to the operation of a newly designed building reception and coffee bar.
This will add to its portfolio of over 430,000 sq ft of flexible office, receptions and food & beverage led clubspaces in buildings across London, Birmingham, Manchester and Milton Keynes.
Since purchasing the tower in 2022, the current owners have raised £35m to carry out a complete refurbishment, with the aim of creating a high quality, energy-efficient building.
x+why’s fully refurbished offering is due to open in late 2025 with available suites ranging from four desks to a 5,000 sq ft office which can be adjusted to member needs.
Eamon Fox, partner and head of development for Knight Frank which represents Martley Capital, said: “Securing x+why is brilliant for the asset and the wider Leeds business community and our approach is to excel in the mandatory characteristics of best-in-class buildings. The baseline for the future office is being reset at Bridgewater Place.”
x+why’s offering will include flexible working space, private enterprise suites, meeting rooms, event space, food and beverage, a clubspace and a roof terrace.
The members clubspace and roof terrace will be available for all tenants of the building to use.
Rupert Dean, CEO and co-founder of x+why, said: “We are building a national infrastructure of cutting-edge workspaces, designed to combine hospitality, design and sustainability, ensuring every city we enter is equipped with spaces that set the standard for the modern workforce.
“We plan to be in every gateway city in the UK, and want to be in the best buildings and locations, and so are thrilled to be launching in this exciting location in Leeds.
“We believe in creating a single hospitality platform across all amenities in offices to provide best in class tenant experience, and creating inspiring, sustainable spaces that not only support businesses but contribute meaningfully to their local environments and support what the office is all about today.
“We love Martley’s vision for the space and their commitment to re-imagining an existing asset in a highly sustainable way, which is a core value for our business.”
Jack Thoms, executive managing director, real estate at Martley Capital Group, said: “We are pleased to be working with the team at x+why at Bridgewater Place to bring their dynamic offering to the building.
“Their innovative approach to workplace environments will set a benchmark in Leeds, with every aspect of the building serving not just as an office but as a destination, reflecting the evolving needs of local businesses.
“We believe the vibrancy that the refurbishment of the atrium and common areas will bring, together with x+why being highly visible at levels 1 and 2, and the unique offering at level 9, will enliven the building.’’
