CTP St James - Offices Letting - Holbeck
Date: 04 Feb 2008
One of the leading barristers' chambers in Leeds is relocating to the award-winning Round Foundry in Holbeck.
KBW, currently in the heart of the city's legal district in Park Court, is moving to No 1 Foundry Square, a magnificent three-storey restored Grade II* listed building.
The chambers, who are taking 3,500 sq ft on the first floor and part of the ground floor, are moving in May.
Toby Wynn of KBW commented: "This is a tremendous move for us. We are one the oldest chambers on the North Eastern Circuit and have always prided ourselves on our history. But we are also looking towards the future and, once we had decided to relocate, the Round Foundry was the obvious choice.
"We believe this excellent development will become the leading professional services centre in Leeds. We love its history and its magnificent regeneration and it also boasts superb facilities for our clients, including a state of the art conference and mediation suite, parking and great road and rail access. This is a bold move for us, but we are very confident that it is a move that will pay off handsomely."
Roland Stross, a director of developers CTP St James, commented: "The decision by 11 KBW to move out of the city's legal heartland into the Round Foundry is a ringing endorsement of our development. We originally attracted a number of successful, cutting edge IT and media companies, so we are delighted that the legal profession is now casting its eye south of the river.
"We are especially pleased that KBW had faith in our project. They saw the building in its raw state and took what was, from their point of view, a gamble. I think we can now all agree that it is a gamble which has paid off," he added.
The 2,500 sq ft second floor of No 1 Foundry Square will be occupied by Watkins Grey Architects and a new restaurant, called The Engine Room, is planned for the part of the ground floor not taken by 11 KBW.
No 1 Foundry Square is a crucial part of £5 million Phase 2 of the award-winning Round Foundry development, which also comprises the sensitive restoration of the 5,200 sq ft Grade II* Dry Sand Foundry and 101 Water Lane, a 2,500 sq ft building, which will become a new real ale bar and restaurant.
All these buildings are linked by Foundry Square.
Roland Stross commented: "This is a very exciting stage in the development of the Round Foundry project, which has already won a host of regeneration awards. We are now putting the finishing touches to the last of the Foundry's original historic buildings which date back to the industrial revolution.
He said: "These are buildings which are full of character and steeped in history. They will make the most superb offices, cafes and restaurants and will have a broad appeal," he added.
Guy Cooke, a partner with letting agents Knight Frank in Leeds, commented: "These tremendous old foundry buildings have been given a new lease of life as stylish offices and will be a joy to work in. The working environment is second to none and is appealing to professionals across the city and beyond".
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) provided a grant of £1.58 million for the development.
Round Foundry
Where do I go now?: » View the latest news items » View the news archive » Subscribe to Weekly Construction Newsletter » Submit news
