The Mint, which is being developed by Leeds-based Deltalord, includes seven storeys of grade A office accommodation in the new Holbeck Urban Village.

Mr Benn, Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and MP for Leeds Central, was joined by members of Leeds City Council at the ceremony on Sweet Street.

The building, adjacent to Bridgewater Place, is due to be completed in September 2008 and comprises 115,000 sq ft of office space and car parking.

Savills and AWS are joint letting agents.

Mr Benn said: "Holbeck Urban Village is creating a new community with a mix of commercial, residential and leisure developments.

"It is transforming the southern gateway into Leeds city centre and The Mint will provide a great opportunity to attract new businesses to the area."

Colin Hayes, managing director at Deltalord, said: "The scheme is set within the established Holbeck Regeneration Project and has been carefully designed to blend seamlessly into the wider project offering highly specified, modern office accommodation that benefits from a prime location with good transport links.

"We have worked closely with the council throughout all stages of the project and we are very pleased to be making a positive contribution to an area that is currently undergoing immense regeneration."