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Tuesday, August 19, 2023

Kenmore Property Group plans new Leeds office development

Commercial property investment and development company, Kenmore Property Group, has announced that Leeds City Council has approved the planning application for the redevelopment of City House, above Leeds Train Station.

Plans for this prominent office building, formerly occupied by 'The Department of Transport', include an extensive redevelopment programme that will see City House transformed into highly specified office accommodation.

The striking development will comprise over 130,000 sq ft of Grade A office space and parking for approximately 79 cars. City House will extend over 13 floors and has been designed with flexible floor plates in order to allow single or multiple occupancy.

The plans also address the current understated entrance and the awkward geometry of the landmark building, maximising floor to ceiling heights and improving both the flexibility and efficiency of the floor-plate design.

The entire building is to be re-clad with a full height glazed curtain walling, improving the visual presence when viewed from the North and the South of the City, in particular providing a dominant and architecturally expressive view from City Square.

The extent and sensitivity of these works together with the overall sustainability of the development will achieve a 'Very Good' BREEAM energy efficiency rating.

James Scott, Associate Director, Kenmore Property Group commented 'The planning approval of City House is a major step forward for both Kenmore and Leeds. The overall design of this development complements its surroundings and will provide a landmark within Leeds city centre. It will also be delivered at a time of both considerable under supply and strong forecasted demand for prime space located in the very heart of the city and its core business district'.

John Thorp, Civic Architect for Leeds added; 'The refurbishment of City House is important for Leeds due to the prominence of the building at the entrance to our City for many visitors and business people. The new City House will provide sustainable office accommodation for those who will work there, with very strong links to public transport. It will transform a 1960s building into a striking architectural statement on the skyline of Leeds'.

Kenmore purchased City House in 2006 with a view to regenerating the tired and dilapidated building and maximising its potential given its overall size, presence and location within Leeds City Centre. Now planning has been granted, Kenmore intends to start works early September this year with a view to completing in late Autumn 2009.