Central Leeds building undergoes £1.3m revamp following acquisition

A 158-year old business has completed out a multi-million pound makeover of its newest property purchase in the heart of Leeds.

Bailie Group, formerly Baird Group, has invested £1.3m into the renovation of the 11,000 sq ft Riverside House in the city centre.

The building, which was formerly occupied by Simply Health, was acquired by the group earlier this year as part of its ongoing expansion strategy.

Bailie Group’s CEO, Fergus Bailie, explained: “SimplyHealth had occupied Riverside House for approximately 25 years before we acquired it.

“The building therefore needed a complete re-work. We’ve taken everything out and started again. We wanted to create a completely blank canvas, which reflected the property’s industrial surroundings.

“Instead of installing a standard ceiling grid, for example, we’ve opened up the internal elevations and chosen vents with exposed services –that way the fittings tell a story rather than existing purely for functional reasons.”

Bailie Group’s chief operating officer Philip Walter, who has led the transformation project, commented: “Core to our strategy as a Group isn’t just investing in people and ideas that make a positive difference, but also properties that inspire.

“Buildings aren’t simply storage facilities for people and furniture – they’re assets that help businesses grow and as such, have to be destinations in their own right for both colleagues and clients.

“When we first saw Riverside House we were blown away – by both its future potential, and location. It is four minutes’ walk from the station’s south-side terminal, for example, and – much like Leeds Dock before it – Canal Wharf feels like it’s really on the cusp of something exciting. That’s before we even think about the impact of HS2.”