Member Article

Hat-trick of deals landed at Leeds clothing magnate’s redeveloped former factory

A hat-trick of new deals have been concluded at the historic Joseph’s Well, which has recently undergone a major refurbishment to create high-quality and affordable office space in central Leeds.

The transformation of the 156,000 sq ft five-storey building in Westgate, which was originally built for Leeds clothing magnate and MP Sir John Barran, was undertaken by Leeds-based construction and property company J Pullan & Sons.

The new tenants are: Cohen Cramer Solicitors, who have taken two suites, totalling 4,378 sq ft of office space; surveyors and valuers Fleurets, who have taken 1,170 sq ft and are relocating from their offices in St Paul’s Street, Leeds; and Lewis BRI Ltd, business recovery and insolvency practitioners, who have taken 600 sq ft.

Rents are £15.75 per sq ft, including all service charges, and are fixed for three years.

Simon Baskind, managing director of Cohen Cramer Solicitors, who have relocated from Great George Street in Leeds, commented: “We have moved to Joseph’s Well because its modern office space in an historic building meets both the needs of ourselves and our clients.

“As an established law firm, the building provides the right mix of contemporary design and space within a period building – reflecting the fact that both companies and buildings need to continually adapt, which echoes our philosophy.”

Bruce Strachan, property director of Pullan’s, commented: “These three new lettings underline the continuing popularity of Joseph’s Well and we are delighted prospective occupiers are reacting so positively to the refurbishment work we have done.

“We are seeing an increasing level of interest in Joseph’s Well resulting in new lettings. These are all excellent examples of successful businesses being attracted to a quality business environment and their arrival underlines the versatility and flexibility of space here, which is attracting an exciting breadth of occupiers”

Pete Bradbury of property agents Carter Towler, who are marketing Joseph’s Well commented: “We are delighted to welcome three new tenants to Joseph’s Well.

“These three new lettings are testament to the investment made by J Pullan & Sons Limited, delivering a quality office product that suits a range of occupiers which, when combined with the dedicated onsite management team, extensive on-site car parking and competitive rent, makes Josephs Well some of the best value office space in the city.”

Sir John Barran pioneered the Leeds ready-made clothing industry in the 1850s, introducing the band knife for cutting multiple layers of cloth. In 1887 he added Joseph’s Well to his other factory in Park Square.

As Mayor of Leeds, he secured the purchase of Roundhay Park for the city. Sir John also served as the Liberal MP for Leeds from 1876 – 1885.

The joint marketing agents with Carter Towler for Joseph’s Well are the Leeds office of WSB.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .