McLaughlin & Harvey has completed the construction and CAT A fit-out of Eden Campus, Unilever’s new UK headquarters. The site comprises two office blocks providing 290,000 square feet of commercial accommodation and a multi-storey car park in Kingston upon Thames, south-west London. The construction of Eden Campus began in October
One of the world’s global engineering consultancies is moving into its new ‘home for big ideas’ in central London, after a 12-month transformation into a model of excellence showcasing its multi-disciplinary and sustainability capabilities to clients from across the world. Growing from 510 employees in 2019 to 720 in 2024,
Global engineering consultancy Arup has officially opened its new Midlands base – one of its five largest global hubs – at Paradise Birmingham’s One Centenary Way, welcoming clients and contacts to mark the occasion. Arup was a major contractor to Birmingham City Council supporting it to deliver the Birmingham 2022
Appointment follows nearing completion of demolition work undertaken by Salter Construction Art-Invest Real Estate (Art-Invest) has appointed RED Construction Group as lead construction contractor to deliver the redevelopment of Sackville House on Piccadilly. A historic office building in the West End, it is set to offer 30,000 sq ft of
Railpen, one of the largest pension managers in the UK, has announced that Waystone, a global leader in specialist asset management services, is relocating its London team to the prestigious 125 Wood Street office development, which is now fully let. Waystone has signed for 8,078 sq ft of premium Grade
Skanska has scooped a £197 million deal with a Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK joint venture to develop an office, retail and leisure space in Mayfair. The company will lead construction of two new category A office buildings that form part of the wider mixed-use redevelopment of South Molton in
Real estate investment firm Castleforge has clinched a substantial £115 million loan to support the redevelopment of the iconic Grade II-listed 1 Golden Lane office building in London’s Square Mile. This significant funding will enable Castleforge to bring to life an ambitious vision for the site, reflecting its commitment to
WORKPLACE design and build specialist ODCreate has delivered a category A+ project, reimagining 7,000 sq ft of office space in central London. The offices – situated close to Leicester Square at 101 St Martin’s Lane – have been refurbished for landlord KGAL, an independent German investment and asset manager, with ODCreate
Virgin Media O2 has signed a commitment to invest in a new state-of-the art office space in central Manchester, agreeing a contract with Island that will see the new and innovative net zero carbon workspace become the company’s central Manchester office location from late next year. With the lease of
Acquisition represents largest office investment deal in the city for half a decade Ashtrom Properties UK has acquired Central Square in the heart of Leeds’ financial district for £78M. The landmark office building transaction represents the largest office investment deal in the city for more than 5 years. Guy Lewinsohn,
McLaughlin & Harvey has completed the construction and CAT A fit-out of Eden Campus, Unilever’s new UK headquarters. The site comprises two office blocks providing 290,000 square feet of commercial accommodation and a multi-storey car park in Kingston upon Thames, south-west London. The construction of Eden Campus began in October 2022. Building A, an eight-storey office building with a basement is located on Eden Street and has a strong architectural identity, continuing the curved profile of Eden Street. Building B, a second, complimentary ten-storey office building with a basement, is located on Brook Street. The two offices are fully integrated and designed for long-term flexibility. The joint entrance off Brook Street creates a welcoming approach at ground level whilst defining the main reception area. This will also reinforce the new public realm being created nearby. A connecting bridge at the sixth-floor level creates a seamless internal transition to the proposed social and communal spaces on the sixth-floor of Building A. The multi-storey car park on St James Road can accommodate 350 cars and 490 bikes. It has full electric charging infrastructure and changing facilities to facilitate sustainable commuting. It also has a landscaped roof garden. At completion, Eden Campus achieved an Excellent BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment) rating, recognising McLaughlin & Harvey’s commitment to net zero by designing and delivering projects that are highly energy efficient, perform as designed when occupied, minimise carbon emissions and cost of ownership, and improve people’s health and wellbeing. Following the practical completion and key handover, Jonathan Lawes, Director at Cube Real Estate, said: “We are incredibly proud to have completed Unilever’s new UK headquarter campus. It is not just about the physical structure but more about the dreams, aspirations, and collective effort that have gone into making this project a reality. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a group of talented individuals comes together with a shared vision and determination.” Reflecting on the project, Michael Kieran, Construction Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, added: “We are delighted to have reached Practical Completion of the Eden Campus project and hand over the keys to our Client, Cube Real Estate. The success of this exceptional project is a testament to the collaborative approach adopted by our design team, supply chain partners, project delivery team and the employer’s agent. We are extremely proud of the completed project and wish Unilever good luck as they embark on their fit-out.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the world’s global engineering consultancies is moving into its new ‘home for big ideas’ in central London, after a 12-month transformation into a model of excellence showcasing its multi-disciplinary and sustainability capabilities to clients from across the world. Growing from 510 employees in 2019 to 720 in 2024, the new office re-location is a reflection of this growth. Buro Happold’s London-based employees will work across 31,000 square feet and four floors of cutting-edge office space of the Featherstone Building on City Road, EC1. Buro Happold met the challenge of maintaining the building’s already impressive BREEAM Outstanding rating with its fit-out. The base build office also achieves both LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum, Wired Score Platinum and with the fit out an additional Well Building Standard Platinum status for achieving exemplary environmental, sustainability, efficiency and health & wellbeing criteria is being delivered. To meet its own exacting needs, Buro Happold worked closely with global architecture, design, and planning firm Gensler to shape and design its workspaces, after listening to the views and ideas of its staff including through Town Hall sessions and sustainability and workplace focused working groups. Inclusive design and wellbeing are central to the new space, with a variety of quieter spaces, and busier spaces for collaboration, parent and multi-faith rooms, as well as a dedicated landscaped terrace area. Buro Happold led on sustainability, MEP, acoustics, lighting and inclusive design, as well as the inclusion of a structurally engineered set-piece timber staircase connecting floors five and six. Q Flow software was used to track the sustainable origin of all materials throughout the design process and underpin the high level of certification needed to meet the standards. Smart building technology has been installed to monitor heating and lighting performance in real-time as well as workspace utilisation, helping optimise building performance, wellbeing and productivity. To harmonise all of these innovative new elements, an easy-to-use smart-phone app has been created to access the building, book workspace and meeting rooms, and to provide staff with improved user experience and real-time updates. Justin Phillips, London Office Director, said: “We wanted to create a workplace that embodied the excellence of our staff within it. Collaboration was essential to this process, and we engaged with our staff early-on to understand what was really important to them. “Our mix of needs is very different as we continue to evolve from traditional engineers to multi-disciplinary experts and advisors, and the design of this office reflects that. “We’re proud of our new London home we’ve created. It’s not only a great place to be, but it also aligns with our ambitious sustainability goals and those of many of our clients across the world. I’m really excited about the potential of what we imagine and create here with our clients and collaborators in the transformative years ahead.” Becky Spenceley, Design Director, Gensler said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Buro Happold to design their new London headquarters. At Gensler, we strive to implement circular and resilient design solutions, setting new standards for an eco-friendly built environment. “Our design at the Featherstone Building has established an innovative and sustainable workplace design focused around honest materiality, celebrating structure and re-use furniture. It is a reflection of Buro Happold’s brand and values, and showcases an exciting variety of work and social spaces for employees and clients.” Choice of materials, features and design was also essential to ensuring the new office was as inclusive as possible. Drawing on expertise from within, Justin sought expertise from its Senior Inclusive Design Consultant Jean Hewitt on designing its spaces for inclusivity and neurodiversity. Jean is one of the leading practitioners in the field of inclusive design and is the UK Government’s Disability and Access Ambassador focusing on the built environment. Buro Happold works for a diverse range of private and public sector clients across multiple areas and is proud to have delivered many of London’s landmarks including Battersea Power Station, O2 Arena (Millennium Dome), The Michael Uren Biomedical Building, 5 Broadgate, Emirates Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Stratford Waterfront. The Featherstone Building is a short distance from Old Street and Liverpool St underground stations and opposite the iconic White Collar Factory campus. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global engineering consultancy Arup has officially opened its new Midlands base – one of its five largest global hubs – at Paradise Birmingham’s One Centenary Way, welcoming clients and contacts to mark the occasion. Arup was a major contractor to Birmingham City Council supporting it to deliver the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, helping to deliver the Alexander Stadium, transport and infrastructure improvements city wide, as well as the Perry Barr masterplan, and the Sandwell Aquatics Centre. Establishing a national and international centre of excellence for Arup in the Midlands, with nearly 800 staff and offering more than 90 specialist services UK-wide, the multi-million-pound investment cements Arup’s commitment to Birmingham and the region as a global business destination. Last year, the local Arup team worked on hundreds of projects locally and globally, supporting the delivery of more sustainable buildings, infrastructure, public spaces, and communities, and bringing the best of global expertise to the area. Arup’s move to the city centre is designed to attract local talent and aid the growth of the West Midlands as an innovation and skills hub. The new office location will bring Arup closer to schools, colleges and universities, ensuring stronger links to education and more opportunity to attract, grow and retain diverse industry talent locally. Based in the heart of the city, Arup’s public-facing activity hub on the ground floor, ‘The Gallery’, will be a space Arup staff are able to work alongside local partners and neighbours to deliver community based, and charitable activities. Speaking at the launch event, Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Arup’s move back into the heart of Birmingham city centre is a tremendous endorsement of all that our region has to offer a global player of Arup’s stature. “This kind of major investment is just the type we envisaged when we worked on the Enterprise Zone more than a decade ago – bringing to life our vision of a new city business district generating jobs for local people. “I know that this announcement will help equip young people from a wide variety of backgrounds with the skills, apprenticeships and opportunities they need to succeed. I cannot wait to see lives changed for the better in the months and years ahead. My thanks to Arup for helping to make that possible.” Understanding that the future office needs to compete with highly personalised home working arrangements, a variety of workplace settings, social areas, wellbeing areas, creative spaces and focus zones have been provided in the new Arup Midlands HQ. The new range of flexible workspaces is designed specifically to support collaboration, convening stakeholders and hosting events. Cem Budak, Arup Midlands Leader, said: “We are excited to officially open our new Midlands hub located in the heart of Birmingham, the UK’s second city. We are eager to build on six decades of expertise in Midlands and the opening of the new office will bring us closer to key decision-makers, clients and collaborators, helping to foster innovation and creativity across the region. “We helped to shape and design the space at One Centenary Way, which is undoubtedly one the finest commercial locations in the city. It is a space that our people already love working in and which helps them to engage with our clients and communities while exporting Birmingham skills and expertise around the world.” The new office plays a significant role in Arup’s ambition to reach net zero carbon by 2030. Arup worked closely with developer MEPC on One Centenary Way, which is the first building within the Paradise estate with all-electric heating and hot water systems, as well as SMART technology that enables continuous office adaptations around utilisation, comfort, and energy consumption. James Watts, Arup Birmingham Office Leader, said: “We are very proud that our new office is a showcase for our commitment to delivering sustainable solutions and our net zero carbon aspirations. We anticipate that our move will reduce travel emissions by over 60% and we will save over 1,100 tonnes of CO2 a year from our own staff commutes. Initiatives such as biophilic design, natural sheep wool wall insulation and a recycled material pallet will put our circular economy values into action while increasing staff connectivity with nature. “In addition, the office also ensures our knowledge and global expertise are easily accessible to local clients and collaborators, allowing us to continue to provide innovative solutions and long-lasting value.” Arup’s work in the Birmingham region for the last 60 years has helped shape the local landscape including major public buildings and developments from the NEC and ICC to commercial office buildings and new public realm like that created at Brindley place and Paradise in Birmingham. Arup’s major role in delivering the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and supporting infrastructure in and around Birmingham helped secure a meaningful legacy for the Games in the Midlands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Appointment follows nearing completion of demolition work undertaken by Salter Construction Art-Invest Real Estate (Art-Invest) has appointed RED Construction Group as lead construction contractor to deliver the redevelopment of Sackville House on Piccadilly. A historic office building in the West End, it is set to offer 30,000 sq ft of new Grade A workspace alongside a new roof terrace, amenity space and a retail offer across the ground floor. Sackville House is an iconic building that is being significantly repositioned by RED Construction’s London team, with an extension to both the roof and rear and a comprehensive internal refurbishment, allowing the building’s fabric and heritage to be retained whilst delivering an exemplar commercial building back to the area for the next generation. Given RED Construction Group’s renowned ability with unique construction projects and its experience and understanding of building similar to the historic significance of Sackville House, the team is the ideal partner for Art-Invest. Start on site is expected in the first quarter of 2025. In the first half of this year, Art-Invest successfully secured planning permission for Sackville House, a Grade II listed building, located on the corner of Sackville Street and Piccadilly. Early enabling and strip out works undertaken by Salter Construction are well underway and expected to complete early in the New Year. With seven floors of workspace and an outdoor pavilion on the roof terrace, Sackville House will be a unique offer for occupiers wanting a premium workspace balanced with this quantum of exceptional amenity space in the form of a gym, fitness and spin studio on the lower ground floor in the bank’s original vault. Art-Invest Real Estate is targeting practical completion by the end of 2026. Will Oakes, Senior Development Manager, Art-Invest Real Estate, said: “It is great to have RED Construction Group on board and we look forward to working with the team to continue the progress that has been made on site. Sackville House is a really exciting proposition for the West End office market. The amount and quality of amenity space that is prioritised in the building sets it apart and ensures it is ideally placed to capitalise on increasing demand for Grade A spaces that support a better work life balance, in the best London locations.” Mark Iori, Managing Director at RED Construction London, added: “Our appointment to deliver Art-Invest’s iconic Sackville House is testament to RED Construction London’s proven track record working on heritage-rich sites in the heart of the capital. We are known for delivering considered refurbishments across London, and we are pleased to add yet another landmark Grade II listed building to our project portfolio.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Railpen, one of the largest pension managers in the UK, has announced that Waystone, a global leader in specialist asset management services, is relocating its London team to the prestigious 125 Wood Street office development, which is now fully let. Waystone has signed for 8,078 sq ft of premium Grade A offices on the sixth floor. Located in the heart of the City, 125 Wood Street boasts a prime position near St Paul’s Cathedral, offering unrivaled access and iconic views. Railpen’s ambitious refurbishment of the former 1980s structure created 65,000 sq ft of cutting-edge, Grade A office accommodation, featuring accessible terraces on the sixth and seventh floors that provide panoramic views of London’s skyline. Alex Luker, Asset Manager at Railpen commented: “We are delighted to welcome Waystone as the final tenant at 125 Wood Street. This agreement reflects Railpen’s commitment to creating exceptional workplaces that attract globally recognised firms. 125 Wood Street has been redeveloped to create high-quality, sustainable space that aligns with the growth ambitions of top-tier occupiers like Waystone, while delivering secure long-term returns for our members.” This signing marks the completion of the leasing at 125 Wood Street, one of the most significant deals for the development this year. The new office will house approximately 100 employees and will serve as a central hub for Waystone’s operations in London. Karl Midl, Country Head – United Kingdom at Waystone said: “Our move to 125 Wood Street is an exciting step for Waystone as we continue to enhance our presence in London, a key global financial hub. The new space demonstrates our commitment to London and ensures we are well located, close to many valued clients whilst simultaneously providing a high-quality, sustainable working environment for our team.” BH2 advised Railpen in the deal, while CBRE acted for Waystone. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Skanska has scooped a £197 million deal with a Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK joint venture to develop an office, retail and leisure space in Mayfair. The company will lead construction of two new category A office buildings that form part of the wider mixed-use redevelopment of South Molton in Mayfair, London, being led by Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK. The project involves the demolition of existing buildings and construction of two new office buildings at 60 Brook Street and 56 Davies Street, comprising 71,000 sq. ft and 78,000 sq. ft respectively. The project also involves the restoration of the Running Horse Pub, together with ground floor retail, restaurants, cafés and a basement gym, covering a total of 267,000 sq. ft. In addition to main construction in Mayfair, Skanska will deliver CAT A mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) systems, including the site wide data network, security and smart building solution, with all phases of South Molton on track to complete in July 2027. Skanska has been working with the Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK JV since October 2022 to evolve the design and construction methodology for South Molton, including identifying sustainability and carbon reduction strategies. This process has reduced steel usage by 200 tonnes, with the re-use of existing steel elements, pre-fabrication of façades and in-situ construction of the concrete base slab all contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions. “We have enjoyed a fantastically collaborative working relationship with the Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK JV team over the past two years,” said Terry Muckian, Managing Director, Building. “This has led to a design and method of construction that reduces carbon and de-risks programme delivery in what is a complex working environment in the heart of London’s West End. “We have a long history and deep understanding of the London commercial office market and we are delighted to be continuing this with South Molton. “South Molton is an exciting development for this internationally recognised part of London and I know our team are really looking forward to playing their part in bringing it to life.” The building is targeting environmental standards BREEAM Outstanding for offices and Design for Performance to secure a NABERS 5* accreditation. It’s also targeting WiredScore Platinum certification, which recognises best-in-class digitally connected buildings across the globe. The state-of-the-art offices will feature world-class office design and facilities, including large modern floorplates, roof terraces, outstanding amenities and leading environmental credentials. At ground level, they will be activated by a dynamic mix of retail and food and beverage outlets alongside attractive, greener streets. Designed to complement the distinctive character of Mayfair, 56 Davies Street and 60 Brook Street will feature a mix of new and existing façades. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real estate investment firm Castleforge has clinched a substantial £115 million loan to support the redevelopment of the iconic Grade II-listed 1 Golden Lane office building in London’s Square Mile. This significant funding will enable Castleforge to bring to life an ambitious vision for the site, reflecting its commitment to creating sustainable and adaptable modern workplaces. With planning approval already granted by the City of London, the project will transform 1 Golden Lane into a cutting-edge, eco-conscious office space. On completion, the building will provide approximately 115,000 square feet of premier office accommodation, right in the heart of London’s financial hub. This redevelopment aligns closely with Castleforge’s research-led investment approach, focusing on enhancing property value through strategic operational improvements. The financing, secured through Cheyne Capital Management and Apollo Global Management, highlights investor confidence in Castleforge’s vision and in the enduring demand for high-quality office spaces within London’s business centre, despite the evolving landscape of commercial real estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WORKPLACE design and build specialist ODCreate has delivered a category A+ project, reimagining 7,000 sq ft of office space in central London. The offices – situated close to Leicester Square at 101 St Martin’s Lane – have been refurbished for landlord KGAL, an independent German investment and asset manager, with ODCreate repurposing the original fitout to make the space even more attractive for prospective tenants. The reimagining of the existing space has been undertaken with sustainability and adaptive reuse in mind, with an additional benefit of minimising marketing times of the offices for the landlord. Gavin Hawkins, managing director of ODCreate, said: “Market conditions within the office rental sector are changing all the time, and this project is a prime example of how existing spaces can be adapted and adjusted to those changing winds. “We are increasingly finding that landlords are pushing for category A and A+ fitouts that a tenant can let and be ready to move into straight away – especially in offices smaller than 10,000 sq ft. This kind of project is indicative of those market conditions, and the fitout was designed with this approach in mind. “It’s set in a really attractive central London location – which has been reflected in the quality of finish with the interiors – and is an excellent example of how ODCreate can deliver work that ticks the boxes for landlords and tenants alike.” Anaelle Dindorf, asset manager at KGAL Investment Management GmbH & Co KG, said: “We were pleased with the result of the works and had a very positive experience with the project team. The project was delivered without delay in the agreed timeframe.” ODCreate’s fit-out of the space is tenant-ready, with all elements of the design, dressing and fixtures designed to be used immediately by prospective tenants. ODCreate worked alongside Beadmans on the project, who acted as project manager and cost consultant. 101 St Martin’s Lane is one of several major projects recently completed by ODCreate, including a 30,000 sq ft new office for Howden Insurance in Milton Keynes. For more information, visit od-group.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Virgin Media O2 has signed a commitment to invest in a new state-of-the art office space in central Manchester, agreeing a contract with Island that will see the new and innovative net zero carbon workspace become the company’s central Manchester office location from late next year. With the lease of its Wythenshawe office due to expire in early 2026, Virgin Media O2 undertook a comprehensive review of its property options in the area, drawing up a shortlist of several properties within 10 miles of central Manchester that could act as a base for employees to get together in person, while also supporting Virgin Media O2’s flexible working policies. Island, a net zero carbon workspace being developed by joint venture partners HBD (part of Henry Boot plc) and Greater Manchester Pensions Fund, was the company’s preferred choice, with employees set to benefit from excellent local amenities and in-building facilities. The site has strong transport links, excellent cycle storage and shower facilities, and features a rooftop terrace among its 12,500 sq ft of communal spaces, which include a wide range of food and drink options for employees. Among the teams moving to Island will be Virgin Media O2’s multi-skilled customer service teams who provide bespoke and specialist support on a range of customer issues, including sales and retentions, service issues, bereavement and telecare support. Having first moved to Wythenshawe in 1991, this new agreement with Island further extends Virgin Media O2’s long-term association with, and investment in, the Manchester area. Island is targeting an Excellent BREEAM Sustainable Building Certification, demonstrating the innovative strategies and green technologies it uses to achieve an exceptional level of environmental performance. A net-zero workspace from day one, Island’s sustainable features include centralised air handling units and demand-controlled CO2 sensors to improve indoor air quality, 350m² of solar panels, real-time energy consumption data screens, efficient lifts and LED lighting. This major investment from Virgin Media O2 will provide a modern, future-proof space for its people to meet and collaborate in the North West, consistent with the company’s flexible working policies. Virgin Media O2 will provide clear communication and support for employees currently based at Wythenshawe to ensure a smooth transition next year. Patricia Cobian, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “This significant investment demonstrates our commitment to retaining a sizeable presence in Manchester, with a flagship new office that places us in the heart of the city’s thriving technology hub. “The state-of-the art office will provide a vibrant space for our employees in the North West to get together in person and collaborate, meeting our needs now and helping to attract future talent. Improving our people’s experience was a key focus in the selection process, and Island offers our employees a wide range of amenities and facilities that are not currently available to them. “With enviable environmental credentials and excellent transport links, this move will help reduce our carbon emissions and make it easier than ever for our employees to choose more environmentally-friendly modes of transport.” Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director at HBD, said: “Virgin Media O2’s decision to invest in Island and call this remarkable building its new home in Manchester is testament to the exceptional space we have created here. Island has been carefully designed around the needs of the occupier. Not only is it a highly intelligent and sustainable building, but it’s one which prioritises people’s health and well-being. Virgin Media O2’s values are perfectly aligned with ours and we’re proud to welcome them to Island. “At Island Virgin Media O2 will enjoy a building which has achieved Well Building Gold Rating. Designed to ensure that occupiers can be highly inclusive, Island features design elements and spaces which support neurodiversity, people of different faiths and gender identification as well as spaces for nursing mothers. “There is strong interest in the remaining space that is available at Island, with plenty of options to join Virgin Media O2 across the remaining four floors.” Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “It’s very positive to see Virgin Media O2 bring their new North West HQ to Manchester in a state-of-the-art facility with net-zero carbon workspaces that enhance our carbon neutral plans. This multi-million-pound investment will bring a significant boost to the city-region and highlights Greater Manchester as a place where companies want to invest.” Island will become Virgin Media O2’s third major new office space since the merger in June 2021. The company is currently preparing to move teams into a new state-of-the-art HQ in Paddington by the end of the year, while it was recently confirmed that staff in Lanarkshire will transfer to a new office in Maxim Park in early 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Acquisition represents largest office investment deal in the city for half a decade Ashtrom Properties UK has acquired Central Square in the heart of Leeds’ financial district for £78M. The landmark office building transaction represents the largest office investment deal in the city for more than 5 years. Guy Lewinsohn, CEO of Ashtrom Properties UK, said: “We remain committed to strategically investing in the UK’s regional markets, confident they offer substantial opportunities for sustainable growth and long-term value creation.” CBRE and Knight Frank acted for Ashtrom Properties UK on the purchase. Savills acted on the sale. Central Square comprises 217,249 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation across 11 upper floors above 13,126 sq ft of retail, restaurant and ground floor leisure units. It has one of the largest column free floor plates in the city of circa 25,000 sq ft and houses a Winter Garden and Sky Garden with break out and entertainment space for tenants along with 128 basement parking spaces. It has exceptional sustainability credentials including BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A. Located off Wellington Street and Whitehall Road, Central Square is close to Leeds Station and Trinity Shopping Centre in Leeds City Centre. Current tenants include Marks & Spencer PLC, PWC, RSM UK Management, Freeths, GXO Logistics, Sky, Sanderson Weatherall, BDO Services. Guy Lewinsohn, CEO of Ashtrom Properties UK further said: “The successful acquisition of this prominent building in the heart of Leeds marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to invest in the future of the UK’s regional city centres, which we believe are poised for strong growth. “I would like to extend sincere appreciation to the vendor for their professionalism and collaboration throughout this process, which ensured a smooth and mutually beneficial transaction. A special thanks goes to our in-house team, whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in driving this acquisition forward. Their commitment, along with the support of our external partners, guided us to a successful outcome.” Will Kennon, Executive Director, CBRE said: “Central Square is one of the best regional office assets located outside of London. Leeds is experiencing significant growth across all metrics, and the office market is facing an acute shortage of prime office space which we believe will lead to continued strong rental growth over the next cycle. With the market facing continued development viability challenges, we consider this acquisition will deliver strong risk adjusted returns over both short and long term. We are delighted to have helped Ashtrom Properties UK secure this exceptional asset, to add to their strong UK office portfolio in line with its current strategy to invest in core regional cities” Henrie Westlake, Head of the North Knight Frank LLP, commented; “The acquisition of Central Square by Ashtrom Properties UK aligns with their strategic decision to selectively invest in the UK Office market. As a long term holder of assets, the strategy is driven primarily by the strong underlying market fundamentals that will drive rental growth for prime assets. Notwithstanding this, there is no question that a normalised market will see significant yield compression that will further validate this approach. This will almost certainly be viewed as the bellwether deal of this cycle.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
