140 staff relocate to revamped Leeds offices

TWO floors on 21 Queen Street will be the new home of 140 staff from The University of Leeds.

The University is leasing 13,000 sq ft of office space for the National Institute for Health Research’s Clinical Research Network Coordinating Centre.

Funded by the Department of Health, it was previously based at the University’s campus nearby.

The building on Queen Street was formerly known as Prince William House.

It is being redeveloped by Formal Investment. It’s first tenant, AXA Insurance, signed on to the fifth floor in September 2015.

Related: Major insurer first to move into Grade A offices…

Dennis Hopper, director of facilities management at the University of Leeds said: “This is a very positive move for NIHR CRN, a centrally located modern head office will maximise relations with regional and national partners whilst maintaining close links with the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University. “

Nicholas King, director of Formal Investments, said: “We are delighted such a prestigious organisation doing nationally important activity will be based at 21 Queen Street. We look forward to welcoming further arrivals to this attractive and flexible place to work.”

Richard Fraser, director of Carter Towler, who said: “We were very pleased to be able to source and acquire such good quality accommodation in Leeds city centre for our client. 21 Queen Street is a quality building which will be a good fit for an organisation of such high standing as the University of Leeds.”

Joint letting agent Richard Thornton of Jones Lang LaSalle said that over 50% of the space at Queen Street is now let, which is”testament to the quality of space on offer.”

Joint letting agent Jonathan Shires at CBRE said: “The letting comes on the back of 2015’s buoyant take-up and a current lack of grade A space.”

The news comes as the Leeds Office Agents’ Forum reported that office uptake was up 25% in 2015, with 680,100 sq ft involved in transaction in the market during the year.

Read more here: Office take-up soars in Leeds