Grant Thornton relocates to City Square House in Leeds

Leading business and financial advisor Grant Thornton UK is taking 9,974 sq ft of prime office space at developer MRP’s City Square House in Leeds.

This is the one of the most high-profile office deals in the city during the past 12 months. It was brokered by the Leeds office of global property consultancy Knight Frank.

Grant Thornton, which maintains a presence across all major cities in the UK, is relocating from Whitehall Riverside in Leeds.

City Square House is a state-of-the-art 140,000 sq ft development fronting City Square in the heart of the city. It is now almost full, with the second floor under offer, and only 6,000 sq ft on the ground floor still available for potential occupiers.

Its stunning design, with extensive use of glass and steel, provides an unrivalled presence in both City Square and the adjacent Leeds Station.

The prime workspace comprises Grade A office accommodation over 12-storeys including low carbon credentials, terraces on the 4th, 5th and 6th levels and extensive cycling, electric vehicle and e-bike charging point facilities.

Dan Dickinson, partner and practice leader for Yorkshire at Grant Thornton UK, said: “We’re very excited to have agreed this exceptional new space in the heart of Leeds city centre. The building’s sustainability credentials, substantial amenities and modern design will provide our people with a great base from which to support our clients in the region.”

Grant Thornton will be joining Liberty Global, Barnett Waddingham, global law firm DLA Piper and Markel, a leading SME-focused expert in providing integrated insurance, tax and legal services, in the building.

Eamon Fox, partner and head of the Leeds office of Knight Frank, said: “We are delighted to welcome a company with such an excellent reputation as Grant Thornton to City Square House. This latest signing means the development is now 96% occupied, 12 months from completion of the building.
“Securing this prestigious deal is a very significant and positive statement of intent in the long-term future prosperity of office space in Leeds and, indeed, in urban centres throughout the UK. We expect this strong demand for some of very best workspace in the city will continue.”
Mr Fox continued: “The Grant Thornton deal is the fifth involving high-calibre companies moving into City Square House. City Square House is the iconic new office development that the Leeds market has been waiting for. It is in a prime position, just off City Square and next to Leeds Station, and the remaining available space will help to address the pressing need for quality Grade A office space in the city centre.

“This is a significant deal for the city of Leeds, a vote of confidence in the city and its economy. Amidst this challenging economic climate, this is just the boost the whole region needed and a genuine cause to be optimistic about the commercial property sector in Yorkshire.

“The regeneration of the city centre of Leeds is now paying dividends for the city’s economy and reputation and City Square House, so brilliantly developed speculatively by MRP, is a shining example of what can be achieved with vision and courage.”

Alex Hailey, at the Leeds office of property consultancy CBRE, advised Grant Thornton.

Speaking about City Square House, Tom Riordan, the former ex-Leeds City Council’s Chief Executive, said: “City Square House is one of the most prominent locations in Leeds city centre. Further investment into commercial space, record cranes on our skyline and the growing appeal of Leeds to global businesses, shows how our great city is really continuing to thrive economically.”