Evans Property Group has appointed fellow Leeds-based firm, GMI Construction, to undertake the comprehensive refurbishment of Capitol House. GMI has been awarded a £2.8M contract to create 20,000 sq ft of high quality office accommodation in the heart of Leeds City Centre and work has now commenced on site.
The transformation of Capitol House is part of a circa £20m investment programme being undertaken by Evans at the Bond Court area of Leeds. The first phase, which is due to complete in the forthcoming weeks, is the refurbishment of the 9 storey Minerva office building on East Parade into a flagship, Grade A office building for the city and soon Evans will be starting work on the 90 bed 4 * Dakota hotel at the former ‘stacker’ car park on Greek Street for which it secured planning in February.
Capitol House has been a long-term investment for Evans and is home to occupiers such as BNP Paribas, Cap Automotive and Lifesearch. GMI has been appointed to carry out a 6 month programme of works which will involve; external improvements to the windows and elevation, a new double height enlarged feature reception, lift and stair core refurbishment, full common area modernisation and the refurbishment of 20,000 sq ft of office accommodation on the first and third floors. Additional works for which planning has been granted involve the creation of a bin store to significantly enhance the appearance of the Bond Court area.
GMI has now started work on site and the project is scheduled to complete in October this year.
Alan Syers, Portfolio Director at Evans Property Group, said; “We are extremely fortunate to have such well-positioned offices as Capitol House and Minerva in our Leeds City Centre portfolio and are committed to maximising their potential. Our vision for the Bond Court area is to create outstanding public realm surrounded by high quality offices and a luxury hotel to bring about a new destination for the people living in, and visiting, Leeds. The new office space at Capitol House will also assist the current shortage of quality Leeds City Centre accommodation. GMI has a superb track record for the delivery of quality projects and we look forward to seeing these important refurbishment works progress.”
Andy Bruce, Managing Director of GMI Construction, said; “Having worked with Evans on a host of regional projects, most recently the student accommodation at York University, we are delighted to be continuing our successful working relationship with this new instruction. Capitol House occupies a prime address in the heart of Leeds City Centre and the forthcoming works will undoubtedly transform the building into a superb new offering for the office market.”
