A one million pound refurbishment programme has started on No 1 Whitehall Riverside one of Leeds’ landmark offices which has the largest floorplates and amount of vacant grade A space currently available in any one building in the city centre.
Landlord NFU Mutual, who has appointed contractors Morris & Spottiswood, is undertaking a modernisation programme which will ensure that the building’s two 17,159 sq ft vacant office floors will benefit from a comprehensive refurbishment to bring the premises back to a striking Grade A standard. Works are scheduled to complete in December 2013.
The Leeds offices of property firms DTZ and Jones Lang LaSalle have been instructed to market both floors at this iconic riverside office building which are coming on to the market at a time when the availability of top quality offices in Leeds is the lowest for a number of years.
David Hidderley, Investment Fund Surveyor at NFU Mutual, said: “The arrival of 34,000 sq ft of newly refurbished space in the building comes at a time when there is a shortage of Grade A space currently available in the heart of Leeds city centre. No 1 Whitehall Riverside has the largest floor plates and quantity of available Grade A offices space currently to be found in a single building within Leeds city centre and we already have a good level of occupier interest.”
Setting a precedent for Leeds city centre offices, 100% LED lighting will also be installed on the two floors which will mean new occupiers will be able to enjoy the benefits of excellent light quality, low maintenance and cost savings on occupation whilst reducing CO2 emissions.
Richard Thornton from joint leasing agents Jones Lang LaSalle, added: “More than ever, a sustainable refurbishment is needed to ensure the best buildings are future proofed. Our client is investing in No 1 Whitehall Riverside to ensure this prestigious office building meets today’s environmental standards and continues to appeal to both existing and potential occupiers.”
Eamon Fox from DTZ concluded: “No 1 Whitehall Riverside’s commanding presence at the gateway to the West End of Leeds central business district as well as its proximity to both the city’s retail and train station make this waterfront location an ideal place to do business.”
No 1 Whitehall Riverside, which provides 127,731 sq ft of office accommodation over eight floors, was acquired by NFU Mutual in 2010. It is already home to Grant Thornton, Straight PLC, Bond Dickinson LLP, BNY Mellon, Michael Page International, Arcadis and Mackenzie Stuart. Joint letting agents DTZ and Jones Lang LaSalle are quoting £26.00 per sq ft.