x+why brings flexible workspaces to Leeds

A flexible workspace provider is set to bring innovative office solutions and premium amenities to Leeds, marking its first venture in the city.

x+why has signed a ten-year agreement to occupy 33,990 sq ft in Bridgewater Place, Leeds’ iconic mixed-use tower. Spread across the first, second and ninth floors, as well as a 5,000sq ft rooftop terrace, x+why’s offering will include flexible office spaces, meeting rooms, a 150-capacity event space, a members’ club and a coffee bar.

The award-winning company, which is a certified B Corp and has a portfolio of over 430,000sq ft, will also manage the building’s newly refurbished reception and atrium.

Its in-house design team, whydesign, will create interiors inspired by Leeds’ rich heritage, incorporating themes from the city’s history of pottery, textiles and the vibrant Light Night Leeds festival, with the aim to “set a benchmark” for workplace environments in the city.

Bridgewater Place, undergoing a £35 million refurbishment by Martley Capital Group, aims to become a “best-in-class” energy-efficient workspace with BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings, targeting net-zero operations by 2030.

Rupert Dean, chief executive officer and co-founder of x+why, said: “We are building a national infrastructure of cutting-edge workspaces, designed to combine hospitality, design and sustainability, ensuring every city we enter is equipped with spaces that set the standard for the modern workforce.

“We plan to be in every gateway city in the UK and want to be in the best buildings and locations, and so are thrilled to be launching in this exciting location in Leeds.

“We are passionate about driving impactful change with our spaces and can only do so as a result of strong and transparent relationships with our landlords, so we are delighted to be working with the fantastic and forward-thinking team at Martley on Bridgewater Place.

“Crucial to us is a shared vision for the future of work, sustainability and the role of amenity.

“We love Martley’s vision for the space and their commitment to re-imagining an existing asset in a highly sustainable way, which is a core value for our business.”

Jack Thoms, executive managing director, real estate at Martley Capital Group, added: “We are delighted to be working with the team at x+why at Bridgewater Place to bring their dynamic offering to the building.

“Their innovative approach to workplace environments will set a benchmark in Leeds, with every aspect of the building serving not just as an office but as a destination, reflecting the evolving needs of local businesses”

“We believe that the vibrancy that the refurbishment of the atrium and common areas will bring, together with x+why being highly visible at Levels 1 and 2, and the unique offering at level 9, will enliven the building.’’

Set to open in late 2025, x+why’s workspace will offer suites ranging from 4 desks to 5,000sq ft, catering to businesses of all sizes. Tenants will enjoy stunning views from the rooftop terrace and an ethically sourced food and beverage menu.

Eamon Fox, partner and head of development for Knight Frank, which represents Martley Capital, added: “Securing x+why is brilliant for the asset and the wider Leeds business community and our approach is to excel in the mandatory characteristics of best-in-class buildings.

“The baseline for the future office is being reset at Bridgewater Place.”

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