Aire Park: New Leeds offices able to accommodate 2,500 workers reach key milestone

Once occupied, the two buildings will comprise over 200,000 sq ft of office and ground-floor retail space for up to 2,500 workers.

The ground floor will offer over 20,000 sq ft of retail space across six units.

Vastint UK’s ambition is to offer the space to independent retail businesses, with an expected foot traffic of tens of thousands of workers, residents and visitors per year once Aire Park is complete.

The buildings will frame a new, outdoor events space and green area adjacent to The Tetley and the grade II listed Salem Chapel.

Expected to open to the public in 2024, the 12,000 sq ft of outdoor space will host regular activities and events for neighbours and visitors.

Simon Schofield, construction lead for the north at Vastint UK, said: “Upon completion of these two buildings, Aire Park will be officially open for business.

"Leeds is highly attractive for major businesses following in the path of Channel 4 and several household-name financial and professional service providers.

“Due to the large-scale, high-quality spaces that we’re providing with these offices, we are already attracting interest from major enterprises looking to move their headquarters to Leeds.”

Mr Schofield added: “Whilst the development will be home to approximately 3,000 residents and a working district for over 11,000 workers once complete, we’ve designed Aire Park to be enjoyed by everyone in Leeds.

"These first buildings mark the start of a thriving community within a new unique, urban district.”

Designed by Ryder Architecture, the buildings have been designed with environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) in mind and are expected to achieve accreditations, including BREEAM Excellent, WELL Building Gold and EPC rating A.

Electricity from renewable sources will power the buildings whilst openable windows will allow fresh air to flow through the column-free floorplates from the expansive park outside.

Both buildings are also targeting WiredScore Gold, meaning they have the connectivity capacity for almost any occupier.

Mr Schofield said: “Creating sustainable buildings that provide tenants with a healthy and comfortable environment has always been important to Vastint UK.”

Aire Park is being built as a district for workers, residents and the general public, rejuvenating the area and acting as a catalyst for reconnecting the South Bank to the city centre.

Aire Park’s mission is to connect Leeds and its communities, offering an inclusive environment and facilities designed for everyone to enjoy a more healthy, active and enriched life by nature.

The district will span across 24 acres of the city centre’s South Bank. Upon full completion, the district will boast over a million sq ft of office space, 1,400 homes, two hotels, up to 23 retail spaces and an eight-acre park with 500 trees – the largest green space in Leeds city centre.