The Leeds office of global property consultancy Knight Frank has brokered a significant office deal in the Merchant Gate mixed-use development in the heart of Wakefield
Workplace software solutions company SSG Insight has taken 5,657 sq ft of brand-new Grade A office space at 2 Burgage Square in Merchant Gate on a 10-year lease.
Knight Frank advised landlords, The English Cities Fund, which is a joint venture partnership between Muse Developments, Legal & General and Homes England.
Merchant Gate includes Grade A office buildings, prime retail and leisure facilities, 66 residential flats, a new public square, along with a 1500-space multi-storey car park and a new college for performing arts, which is due to be on site early in 2019.
In addition, Merchant Gate is home to Wakefield Council’s civic offices, library and museum at the award winning Wakefield One.
Sam Jamieson, of Knight Frank in Leeds, commented: “We are delighted to have advised on this prestigious letting on behalf of The English Cities Fund, who have invested in the remarkable renaissance of Wakefield.
“Merchant Gate, and strategic schemes like it in the city, is changing people’s perceptions of Wakefield. The city, benefitting from substantial investment, a proud history and an excellent location, is no longer in the shadow of its larger neighbour Leeds.”
The offices at Merchant Gate, designed by leading Leeds-based architects Carey Jones, are 1 Burgage Sq, 2 Burgage Square and Emerald House. Emerald House is fully let to HM Courts & Tribunals Service.
“SSG has taken the opportunity to move to the very best new office buildings in Wakefield. Rents are competitive with first-class facilities. The offices are close to Wakefield Westgate Station, on the main Leeds-London line, while prime retail facilities at Merchant Gate will make the development ideal for leisure as well as working,” added Mr Jamieson.
James Scott, development director, at The English Cities Fund said: “We appointed the Leeds office of Knight Frank alongside the Leeds office of JLL to market the remaining space at Merchant Gate, because we were very impressed with their enthusiasm and superb track record. We are delighted to be able to welcome SSG to Merchant Gate, with Knight Frank’s experience and expertise proving invaluable in securing this letting. I am sure this will continue as we seek to let the remaining office space at the scheme.”
The Leeds office of property consultants JLL are the joint marketing agents for Merchant Gate with Knight Frank.
