Work commences on transformation of The Majestic in Leeds city centre

Rushbond PLC, the property investment company, has appointed Sir Robert McAlpine as the sole contractor to deliver the transformation of The Majestic in Leeds city centre.

Therefore Sir Robert McAlpine, the building and civic engineering company, has now commenced an 8-month construction programme on the £40m project.

The City Square landmark is being transformed by Rushbond into 66,000 sq ft of contemporary workspace, which will be housed behind the original external envelope of the building.

In addition, a new three-storey atrium will be created at the entrance to the building from City Square.

Situated over seven levels, The Majestic will also feature terraces on the fourth and fifth floors, overlooking City Square, alongside a new domed circulatory space, re-creating the Palm Court, and a flexible ‘Stage’ space within the lower ground floor.

Mark Finch, real estate director at Rushbond, said: “We are delighted to make the dual announcement that Sir Robert McAlpine has been selected as the contractor and that construction work is now underway.

“When complete in 2019, The Majestic will provide a stage for modern, forward-thinking, imaginative and ambitious businesses who are seeking a distinctive landmark presence at the heart of the Leeds City Region.

“Located within the largest city region economy outside London, The Majestic not only respects the heritage of this great City but represents the future of a vibrant and growing City economy.”

Mark Gibson, Sir Robert McAlpine’s managing director for Scotland and Northern Region, added: “We are delighted to be involved in this project that will see this iconic building playing a new role in the City of Leeds and its burgeoning economy.

“Now that we have started work, we are looking forward to turning Rushbond’s exciting vision into a reality, to seeing The Majestic standing tall and proud as a true Leeds landmark.”

Designed by DLA Architecture, The Majestic provides the opportunity for both a single tenant to occupy the whole building or multiple occupation, with floor plates ranging from 6,100 sq ft to 11,094 sq ft.

Richard Thornton, JLL’s director of office agency and leasing agent for The Majestic, also commented: “The Majestic provides a rare opportunity for occupiers to acquire space in what is undoubtedly a super-prime location.

“It will provide exceptional office accommodation for a whole range of occupiers looking for space from 6,100 sq ft to the whole building at 66,000sq ft.

“With practical completion scheduled in June 2019, timing could not be better as we project that the current supply of brand new Grade A City office space will all be let over the next 12-18 months.”