Member Article

Muse hands over flagship Leeds offices to KPMG

Muse Developments has handed over One Sovereign Square, a 60,000 sq ft office development in Leeds city centre, to global professional services firm KPMG who will occupy the building.

The building, which is the first of a number of developments on Sovereign Street, marks a significant milestone in the transformation of the area near Leeds train station into a vibrant and attractive commercial quarter.

Its completion follows a deal with British Steel Pension Fund last year to forward fund the development.

Following the handover, KPMG will begin the fit out of their new office, moving into the building by autumn this year.

David Wells, development director at Muse Developments, said: “The completion of this landmark building is an important milestone both for the regeneration of Sovereign Street and the recovery of the Leeds office market.

“Having such a prestigious occupier demonstrating their commitment to the scheme and the city is a testament to the proactive partnership approach between Muse and the Council to create an exciting new commercial quarter.”

Chris Hearld, KPMG’s Northern Chairman and Leeds office senior partner, commented: “After two years of working closely with Muse to create a building which is truly impressive, receiving the keys is an exciting way to start the year of our relocation.”

Leeds City Council will now begin significant public realm improvement works adjacent to the building, creating a new open green space for the benefit of workers, visitors and residents.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and the economy, said: “It’s great to see this scheme completed and I very much look forward to the council starting work on creating what will be a fantastic city centre green space for residents, people working locally and everyone passing through this developing area to enjoy.”

The development was constructed by Morgan Sindall and designed by architects Scott Brownrigg.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .