Multi-million pound refurbishment unveiled for 'one of the most iconic' office buildings in Leeds

Gilbanks, the serviced office provider, is to launch its first flagship project in Leeds city centre this year.

The property company has taken 20,000 sq ft of office space at One Park Row in the centre of the city’s professional and commercial core.

Gilbanks has announced plans for a multi-million pound refurbishment of its space at One Park Row, to create what it calls “an aspirational, flexible and contemporary working environment for expanding businesses wishing to focus on productivity.”

Alex Duckett, Gilbanks managing director, said: “This is a significant deal for us to start our journey. One Park Row is one of the most iconic and sought-after office addresses in Leeds and we have engaged world class designers to transform our new space, spread over two floors, into something very special indeed.

“We are responding to a significant change in working practices over the past decade, which has been driven by the revolution in technology. This has meant the days of the traditional leasehold office are numbered, as are the days of the 9-5 office hours. It is productivity, not desk occupation, which matters.

“We are acutely aware of the benefits of staff well-being, which flourishes in a positive community and holistic office environment. Gilbanks wants to attract occupiers who embrace a modern working atmosphere which will inspire their employees.”

Gilbanks will complete the refurbishment of One Park Row by September of this year. The building will also feature a health and wellbeing studio, a sky terrace overlooking City Square and nutrition-focussed delicatessen.

Other occupiers at One Park Row, which is owned by the Evans Property Group, include Pinsent Masons, Barclays, Rothchilds and Ahead Partnership.

Oliver Corrigan, the co-founder of Gilbanks, commented: “One Park Row has the perfect pedigree of building and is the ultimate location to launch Gilbanks. It will offer customers a new class of workspace in the absolute heart of Leeds.

“The physical and aesthetic fabric of any office is critical, but this must be matched by unequivocal professional service standards. We believe our offices will be unique in Leeds and will serve a currently unsatisfied pent-up demand.”

Jonathan Shires, senior director of the Leeds office of property consultancy CBRE, who advised on the deal, added: “One Park Row is an enviable address, located prominently on City Square yet with a wealth of amenities close by in the retail core.

“Gilbanks are taking a forward-thinking approach to workspace and their bold, refreshing ethos is sharply focussed on improving productivity.”

Alex Duckett concluded: “Creating a dynamic office environment where creativity is encouraged, where work becomes a pleasure and facilities align with business and personal values is what we specialise in.

“The encouragement and support and we have received for our transformative ideas underlines our belief that the creation of high-quality serviced offices in the regions is an idea whose time has come. This makes our first deal at One Park Row extremely exciting and extremely relevant.”

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