Agents appointed for Leeds office buildings

CBRE and JLL have been appointed as joints agents for two prominent office buildings in Leeds city centre as plans to refurb the properties get underway.

The agents will be marketing 33 Park Place and 31 York Place, which span 64,278 sq ft and share a central courtyard area in the heart of the commercial district. Both properties are being refurbished by owners Property Alliance Group. The revamp will see the vacant space and common parts upgraded, a more modern reception and entrance area as well as the construction of a new gym with showers.

The improvements have already attracted one new tenant, Peter Brett Associates. The development and infrastructure consultancy has agreed a five-year lease for 1,800 sq ft at 33 Park Place.

Alex Russell, managing director of Alliance said: “Since acquiring these buildings in the summer, we’ve moved quickly to revamp the space and ensure that both properties offer high-quality office accommodation as well as facilities that will attract and retain tenants such as a new onsite gym.

“With the refurb now well underway, we’ve had lots of interest from businesses of all sizes and are confident that the remaining 14,000 sq ft will be let in the coming months.”

Alex Hailey, associate director of office agency at CBRE Leeds, said: “Property Alliance Group’s investment into these two prominent buildings will create a fantastic office experience for occupiers seeking space in the core of Leeds City centre. We are already handling keen interest in the remaining space and are looking forward to showcasing the results of the refurbishment in due course.”

Clem McDowell, senior surveyor of office agency at JLL Leeds, said: “JLL are delighted to have been retained as agents by Property Alliance Group. With good quality office space remaining in short supply in Leeds city centre, the flexible floor plates of 33 Park Place will appeal to a range of occupiers looking for high quality space within the central business district.

In September, Alliance also commissioned street artist Russell Meeham, known as ‘Qubek’ to design a huge mural on the side of 31 York Place. The elephant image, portraying Leeds’ cultural heritage, features on the side of the building that runs alongside the walkway to 33 Park Place.

The dramatic painting shows an elephant with armour on its face, reflecting the renowned elephant armour, which is on display at the Royal Armouries Museum. It also has a ring of white roses, predominantly around its neck and on the floor, which signify the white rose of Yorkshire, and with a nod to the city’s great industrial past, mills are featured on its back.