Green light for £85m development for Leeds City Square

CGI of proposed City Square House, Leeds (Leeds City Council)

Work is set to start on a major office development in City Square, Leeds - a key gateway area. City Square House will stand on the Wellington Street side of the square near Leeds City Station and the recently revamped Majestic building.

Global law firm DLA Piper has signed a deal with developer MRP to take more than 80,000 sq ft of prime office space in the 12-storey development. Leading UK design and build contractor McAleer & Rushe will commence construction in May this year on the £85m project, which will meet the needs of the post Covid-19 era via a blend of technology, open plan design and roof gardens.

It is one of a number of forward thinking schemes coming together in City Square, with the Majestic having been chosen as the home of Chanel 4 following a stylish and sensitive redevelopment of the landmark former cinema, ballroom and restaurant.

Work is also continuing on several projects to improve Leeds City Station as part of the Leeds Integrated Station Masterplan, while a competition was launched in September to find an expert design team that will help oversee the wider transformation of City Square, delivering a vibrant and inclusive welcome to the city which reflects the council's climate challenges and cultural ambitions.

Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council said:

'City Square is already at the heart of life in Leeds and we are determined to improve it still further, creating a world-class space that is a source of pride for all our residents.

'The new development will help us achieve that aim and I look forward to seeing it take shape alongside the many other transformative projects planned for the city centre.

'It also offers a timely reminder that Leeds is very much open for business, despite the huge challenges posed by Covid-19.'

The council says the announcement follows a sustained period of active work with the legal sector that has seen cost-effectiveness, connectivity and a track record of innovation make Leeds the UK centre of excellence for legal services outside of London.

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