The UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB) has signed a 15-year lease on a new office space in Leeds, reaffirming its commitment to building an enduring institution in the city.
UKIB will move into its new city centre location at 2 Whitehall Quay in early summer 2024 following the end of its current lease at One Embankment. The Bank will occupy three floors of the newly refurbished premises, alongside the National Infrastructure Commission and the Low Carbon Contracts Company.
The move to Whitehall Quay reflects UKIB’s long-term commitment to Leeds and its continued contributions to the economic and professional vibrancy of one of the largest centres for finance and professional services outside London. With almost 250 permanent staff, the new space will also accommodate the Bank’s changing needs as a larger and more established organisation.
2 Whitehall Quay is situated in a prime location in close proximity to the city’s railway station. The move was brokered by strategic property and construction advisors, Fox Lloyd Jones on behalf of Landlord Britannia Invest A/S and its asset manager – specialist UK Real Estate Asset Manager, Catella APAM (“APAM”).
Align Property Partners, acted on behalf of UKIB and worked closely with FLJ to identify the property and complete the deal in a short timeframe. Align was also instrumental in working closely with UKIB’s facilities management team to lead the major fit-out across the building’s three floors spanning 28,729 sq. ft.
The refurbishment is being delivered by building and construction consultancy, Brawdia, designers AXI and main contractor, BLOK Projects.
James Emmett, COO of the UK Infrastructure Bank, said: “We are delighted to be strengthening our commitment to Leeds with a new space at 2 Whitehall Quay. The fact UKIB is anchored in the city is a key part of the Bank’s identity, and we are proud to have our headquarters here. Signing this long-term lease marks the next chapter in UKIB’s development and recognises the strength of the talent and expertise in the region’s vibrant financial ecosystem. Our new premises will provide a space that enables us to house our staff, meet with clients, attract the best talent and collaborate in our mission to tackle climate change and boost growth across the UK.”
Nick Salkeld, director at Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “We are hugely satisfied to have secured 2 Whitehall Quay as UKIB’s new permanent home in Leeds. The building offers state-of-the-art workspace in a prime location and after a highly competitive process was demonstrated as the best solution. The project has required a huge amount of collaboration and effort on all parts. It’s been an honour to work on it alongside the wider consultancy team. FLJ is very proud to have played its part and on behalf of the landlords, we look forward to welcoming UKIB to the building in June. We’re already receiving strong interest in the final remaining 7,161 sq. ft. suite available.”
Daniel Clinch, head of agency, acquisitions and disposals for Align Property Partners, added: “We’ve worked very closely with UKIB on its strategic relocation to its new UK headquarters, ensuring that we were able to identify a location that met its key business requirements and could be delivered within an extremely short timeframe. After a thorough scrutiny of the market, it became clear that 2 Whitehall Quay was a strong contender from the very outset. The building meets all UKIB’s key criteria, however the speed, efficiency and close collaboration between both agents, the fit-out teams and ourselves was key to delivering this property within the required timescales.”
FLJ were joint agents with CBRE.
