Strategic comms firm chooses refurbished Leeds waterfront space for new HQ

A strategic communications agency has signed a 10-year lease for its new headquarters at a recently refurbished Leeds site.

Marketing and communications specialist CDS has signed the lease on a 11,000 sq ft waterfront property at Canal Wharf in Leeds.

Comprising three storeys, the property has undergone an £750k refurbishment to meet the firm’s needs, with interior design and fit-out business Claremont managing the delivery.

As well as featuring a multi-use social space on the ground floor, the property offers over 40 separate working hubs on the upper floors.

CDS managing director, Mark Gair, explained: “Our colleagues are immensely proud of the work CDS does, and they wanted an office that reflected the ground-breaking communications we provide.

“With Leeds accepted as a competitive and vibrant digital hub, we needed a HQ which reflected the forward-thinking, agile and challenging nature of our brand – as well as a place to welcome decision-makers from the likes of Ministry of Defence, the Cabinet Office and the inherited top brand B2C clients of SimpleUsability.

“Riverside House gives us the presence and environment we need both in terms of space and locality – and will benefit our colleagues and clients for years to come.”

Claremont account director, Patrick Ames, added: “This project has been a celebration of sociability, choice, agility and community from the beginning, and really shows the benefit of engaging employees in the design process.

“Our team really listened and responded to CDS’ particular wants and has created a distinct, well-equipped and feature-rich environment that can flex and adapt as the business continues to grow.

“The project has not been without challenges, particularly working within Covid-19 restrictions, but we still finished on time and to an exceptional standard, which we are hugely proud of. The end result really does speak for itself.”