Member Article

Bark & Bite snaps up iconic offices in Leeds

The Leeds office of global property consultancy Knight Frank has brokered the second deal at the newly-refurbished Concordia Works in Sovereign Street, Leeds.

Bark & Bite, the leading Yorkshire television and video production company, has taken the 3,036 sq ft second floor of the iconic building, which has just undergone a £1.5 million transformation. Bark & Bite are paying £25 per sq ft on a five-year lease, with a three-year break.

Concordia Works was officially launched last month (November), coinciding with the announcement that its first tenant Yonder Consulting had taken the 3.040 sq ft third floor.

Eamon Fox, partner and head of office agency at Knight Frank in Leeds, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Bark & Bite to one of the most exciting contemporary office developments in Leeds during the past couple of years. Bark & Bite are exactly the kind of successful, cutting-edge company that we believe are ideally suited to these magnificent offices.

“The 13,955 sq ft Concordia Works is a unique and striking property, set over five floors and situated just a short walk from Leeds City Station and the main retail heart of the city. Built in the early 20th century, this former yarn and cord warehouse has been superbly refurbished by London-based developers Boultbee Brooks with modern businesses in mind, whilst maintaining its existing structure and original period features.

“The refurbishment is a fusion of original features and modern design, creating a dynamic hi-spec loft-style workspace. The interior design respects the integrity of the warehouse’s industrial past. Exposed brickwork, trusses and cast iron columns will play a major part in the building’s new look. The result is five floors, ranging from 2,132 sq ft to 3,040 sq ft, of exceptional and adaptable open plan office space, offering a contemporary working environment for dynamic and creative businesses.

“Concordia Works has excellent transport links with the property just moments away from Leeds City Station and the new southern. The M1 and M621 motorways are only a 5 minute drive away and 2 large multi-storey car parks are located 100 yards from the building’s front door. For those who prefer a greener mode of travel, riverside cycle paths run close to Concordia Works,” explained Mr Fox.

Christian Knowles-Fitton, Managing Director of Bark & Bite commented: “With a rapidly expanding team and a need for new premises, Bark&Bite are moving to the newly renovated Concordia Works. “Concordia Works fits the agency’s needs perfectly. It’s a great mix of contemporary and industrial design and the regeneration of the surrounding area sets the right tone for the level of clients we service.” Eamon Fox explained: “The impact of advancements in technology on the property market is likely to be significant as the requirements of a multitude of sectors including logistics, retail, healthcare and more shift as innovative, ‘smart’ ways of working and living are embraced,” commented Mr Fox.

“The challenge for the property market is to keep pace with the changing face of technology; the latter is, on occasions, moving faster than the built environment can adapt to.

“The pioneering redevelopment of Concordia Works addresses this challenge head on. By creating cutting-edge workspace in an attractive, historic setting, Boultbee Brooks are satisfying a pent-up need for trendy office space in the centre of Leeds. We are experiencing significant interest in the building and will be announcing another prestigious letting shortly,” he added.

The Leeds office of Knight Frank are the joint marketing agents for Concordia Works with the Leeds office of Savills.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .