Design and engineering firm relocates to aid expansion

DESIGN and engineering consultancy CH2M HILL is relocating to Headingley Office Park.

CH2M HILL said it is moving its 70 staff from The Arndale Centre in central Headingley to provide them with “an improved working environment and to satisfy expansion plans”. 

The firm has signed a five-year lease for the top two floors of the circa 16,000 sq ft Park House office building at Topland’s office park. Headingley Office Park comprises around 100,000 sq ft of office accommodation over six buildings fronting Headingley Lane. Existing occupiers include The Environment Agency, CTrack and NHS Estates.

Park House was fully refurbished by CBRE’s Building Consultancy team and, following the recent 10,640 sq ft letting deal to CH2M HILL, is now fully let with CTrack occupying the remaining space. The success of the refurbishment works in attracting tenants has led to park owner, The Topland Group, looking to upgrade further office space in Buckingham and Victoria House, to commence later this year.

Jonathan Shires, director of Office Agency at CBRE Leeds, said: “The unique appeal of Headingley Office Park is its attractive setting, just on the edge of the city centre within one of its most popular suburbs. By investing in the office accommodation and offering flexible terms and competitive rents, Topland is successfully attracting occupiers and the additional investment will ensure this continues.”

Jilly Hersey, facilities operation manager Europe at CH2M HILL, added: “As we continue to invest in the UK, we were looking for flexible space that would be easily accessible for our staff and business associates and as such the offices at Park House perfectly met our requirements.”

Ben Ryan, Asset Manager at Topland, said: “The lack of Grade A space within Leeds City Centre, combined with the increased focus on business costs, is driving occupiers to consider more competitive packages in edge of centre locations and as such it is a great time for us to invest in the park to take advantage of tenant demand.”