Historic building given a tailor made makeover for modern day

Now a building he created is set to enter a new phase.

Joseph’s Well, in the heart of Leeds, was built for the clothing magnate and MP in the late 19th century.

It’s being transformed to make it more appealing to a new generation of entrepreneurs.

The project is believed to be the largest office refurbishment to come on to the Leeds market this year.

“The refurbishment has completely changed the nature of Joseph’s Well,” said Bruce Strachan of property firm J Pullan & Son, who has worked on the site. “It is now flooded with light from above, through a new rooflight and glass staircase which gives it a modern, cutting-edge ambience.”

The renovation of the five-storey building is being undertaken by Leeds-based Pullan’s on behalf of a family trust.

It’s already secured two lettings following the refurbishments.

The Yorkshire and Humber Regional Forum, also known as Involve Yorkshire and Humber, has taken suites 4 and 6D, totalling 1,360 sq ft on a three-year lease, while Fundraising Vision, an organisation that helps charitable fundraising, is moving into Suite 2D, comprising 507 sq ft, also on a three-year lease.

Mr Strachan said: “The refurbishment has been a true labour of love and these two new lettings are a vindication of the work we have done.

“We have owned this iconic 19th century building since the 1970s. Adding a contemporary feel to a historic building, while retaining the best of its character, has been a challenge we have enjoyed.”

“There is now significant interest in Joseph’s Well and, apart from the two lettings we have just completed, there will be more deals announced in the early Autumn.”

Involve Yorkshire and Humber provides support for the voluntary and community sector, which has faced tough times during the credit squeeze.

Sarah Janicwicz, of Involve Yorkshire and Humber, said yesterday: “We moved out of Joseph’s Well in October 2011 when our existing lease came to an end.

“The cuts in funding and the instability within the voluntary and community sector had an impact on our work and during these unstable times we moved into temporary accommodation.

“We are a smaller, more nimble team now and have come through the period of uncertainty with resilience.

“We decided it was time to put down some permanent roots again and find more suitable office accommodation.

“We searched the city high and low and Joseph’s Well in Leeds was by far the best deal.”

Duncan Senior, partner at property agents WSB, who are marketing Joseph’s Well commented: “We are delighted to welcome two new tenants to Joseph’s Well so soon after completion of the comprehensive refurbishment of the building.”

Since its initial conversion to offices Joseph’s Well has provided accommodation to a wide range of tenants, including solicitors, Capital Radio, and the NHS.

Mr Strachan had been concerned that Joseph’s Well had been “looking a bit tired” in recent years, which prompted the facelift.

Despite the new lettings, Mr Strachan stressed that the multi-let market was still very tough.

When the new lettings are completed in September, around 30 per cent of Joseph’s Well will still be vacant.

In recent years, public sector organisations and charities have been feeling the pinch, Mr Strachan observed.

He added: “It’s no secret that most commentators are saying that the market is going to be tough for the rest of the year.

“There hasn’t been much good news around.”

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 to 1885.

The joint marketing agents, with WSB, for Joseph’s Well are the Leeds office of Carter Tow- ler.