Celebration as final beam placed in landmark City Square House development in Leeds

The 12 storey building, developed by MRP and built by McAleer and Rushe, is set for completion later this year, and will total 140,000 sq ft.

Speaking of the project, Angus Montieth, development director at MRP, said: “It's been a hard fought, and a longer process than many of us would have expected when we bought the site back in 2005, but we’ve stuck with it, but both the city, and the City Council, have stuck with us, so thank you.

“We are so proud of City Square House, which is ready to become a striking feature of the Leeds skyline.

"Its schedule for completion at the end of this year, and it will coincide with the completion of the extensive public realm works at Leeds City Square.

“The stunning architecture will provide an unrivalled presence, and a symbol of this city’s thriving economy.”

Located next to Leeds train station, a large portion of the building’s office space has already been signed for by global law firm DLA Piper, who will take seven storeys at the development, totalling 83,000 sq ft.

The deal represents the largest private sector pre-let deal in Leeds in the past 20 years.

Markel, a leading SME-focused expert in providing integrated insurance, tax and legal services, has also taken 20,000 sq ft at City Square House on a 15-year lease.

Tom Riordan, Leeds City Council’s Chief Executive, said: “It’s brilliant to see the progress being made on City Square House, which is one of the most prominent locations in Leeds city centre.

“Further investment into commercial space, record cranes on our skyline and the growing appeal of Leeds to global businesses, shows how our great city is really continuing to thrive economically.”

Mr Riordan also noted that the success of the project was a reflection of the surrounding West Yorkshire area.

He said: Leeds cant operate as an island. We have a labour market that is a huge advantage to us, but that advantage comes not just from the city itself, but from our neighbours like Bradford, with one of the youngest populations in europe.

“It's a real team effort whenever you come to Leeds, and this is a fantastic signature development for us.”

The development will comprise office accommodation over 12-storeys including low carbon credentials, terraces on the fourth, fifth and sixth levels and extensive cycling, electric vehicle and e-bike charging point facilities.

The project has also used a large amount of locally sourced steel.

Eamon Fox, partner and head of office agency at global property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, who is advising MRP, said: “It is tremendous to see this flagship building nearing completion, providing a very genuine cause to be optimistic about the commercial property sector in Yorkshire.

“This splendid building now joins the Majestic, 1 City Square, 34 Boar Lane and Platform as four state-of-the-art office developments, which are a credit to the city of Leeds.

"They underline the fact that Leeds is now one of the most flourishing regional cities, not just in the UK, but in Europe,”