The University of Leeds is taking two floors of 21 Queen Street’s prime office space to house the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network Coordinating Centre.
Around 140 staff will relocate to the first and second floors of 21 Queen Street, the strikingly designed landmark building redeveloped by Formal Investments.
The Institute’s team is moving from the University’s nearby campus. Funded by the Department of Health, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) seeks to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.
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. The University will utilise the released space as part of our transformative campus developments programme where £520M is being invested over the next five years to create a world class campus.”
The University is leasing almost 13,000 square feet of 21 Queen Street. The top (fifth) floor is home to AXA Insurance, which was the first occupant at 21 Queen Street following its transformation by Formal Investments into a strikingly lit addition to the Leeds skyline.
Stunning fourth and fifth floors were added to the building in the city’s prime office hub, with the glass-fronted top two storeys illuminated to emphasise the newly six-storeyed landmark’s contemporary styling.
The University’s agent is 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: “Over 50 per cent of the space is now let, which is testament to the quality of space on offer. With current levels of enquiries, we hope to announce further lettings soon.”
Joint letting agent Jonathan Shires at CBRE said: “It’s great to welcome the University of Leeds who will join AXA at 21 Queen Street. The letting comes on the back of 2015’s buoyant take-up and a current lack of grade A space. 21 Queen Street is still able to offer discerning occupiers quality offices from 1,900 to 17,600 sq ft on highly competitive terms with on site parking.”
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.”
Space remains available on flexible, efficient floor plates in a building with a high quality specification and with sustainable green credentials.