Prime office hits the market amid Leeds out-of-town boom

A flagship 9,740 sq ft office building at the award-winning Capitol Park Leeds has hit the market.

Leading Yorkshire property development and investment company Sterling Capitol is currently completing the comprehensive refurbishment of 1 Sterling Court.

The distinctive building, which was formerly the headquarters of Real Radio, stands at the front of Capitol Park East by Junction 28 of the M62.

Paul Beckett, head of development at Sterling Capitol, explained: “This is a rare opportunity to lease a splendid self-contained contemporary building in such a prominent location. We are already experiencing a good deal of interest in 1 Sterling Court as the Leeds out-of-town office market remains remarkably buoyant.

“Capitol Park Leeds is one of the brightest success stories in the Yorkshire business parks sector and we are very proud of what we have achieved here. We have recently concluded a significant letting to Create Fertility and negotiated a new 10-year lease to Ideal Boilers in buildings very close to 1 Sterling Court, underlining the attraction of the park.

“1 Sterling Court has been fully refurbished to the very highest specification to provide distinctive and contemporary offices. It would make the ideal HQ building for an expanding Yorkshire firm. Alternatively, 3,000 sq ft floorplates are available.

Elizabeth Ridler, partner with global property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, who is marketing 1 Sterling Court, explained: “1 Sterling Court occupies the most fabulous position at the front of Capitol Park East, with great signage opportunities, overlooking the A653 road into Leeds and next to the M62. It also boasts 48 on-site secure parking places with EV charging points.

“The demand for out-of-town offices remains very strong, with the recent Leeds Office Agents Forum (LOAF) figures for the first three months of this year revealing that a total of 105,434 sq ft of office space across 31 deals was transacted in Leeds's out-of-town market. We anticipate further rental growth as new Grade A buildings like 1 Sterling Court are completed and businesses put their ESG requirements at the core of their real estate strategies.

“The high standard of the refurbishment reflects the quality of the building itself, which now features VRF air conditioning; raised access floors; new suspended ceilings with LED lighting; excellent natural lighting and new WC and shower facilities.

Richard Thornton, director specialising in office agency with JLL in Leeds, who are marketing 1 Sterling Court with Knight Frank, commented: “There is a healthy appetite for well-located and attractive properties like 1 Sterling Court.

“As we emerge from the global pandemic, there are encouraging signs in the Leeds office market with general levels of enquiries and viewings on the up, with companies focusing on the quality of their workspace. I Sterling Court ticks all the boxes.”

Will Russell-Smith, chief trading officer of Groupe Atlantic, the parent company of Ideal Boilers, commented: “We are excited to renew our lease on our Leeds training facility with Sterling Capitol. Its location just off the M62 and close to the M1 junction ensures we continue to be able to provide easily accessible training and forms part of a wider vision to provide hands-on skills to our installer base.

“The Leeds training centre will continue to offer both domestic and commercial boiler training, as well as supporting our future-focused plan to transform the heating industry in its push towards renewable energy.”
1 Sterling Court is also being marketed by the Leeds office of property consultancy Carter Towler.

*Other premium occupiers at Capitol Park include Barratt Homes (HQ), Hermes, the 4Village Hotel, Depuy and Henderson Insurance Services.
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