£30m office complex planned for city

Leeds-based Gregory Projects and Elland-based Marshall Construction have bought a 0.6 acre site on Whitehall Road from Town Centre Securities for an undisclosed sum

The joint venture hopes to build a 130-bedroom hotel and 50,000 sq ft of offices. Premier Inn has signed a deal to operate the hotel as part of its plans to expand into the south of the city and close to the train station. A full planning application is expected to be submitted next month.

Richard Tovey, at Gregory Projects, said: “This is a prime development opportunity that will draw interest from blue chip businesses seeking a very short walk to the railway station.

“The advanced agreement with Premier Inn reinforces the location values as well as Leeds’ capacity for more hotel accommodation.”

Adam Cockroft, of DTZ, which is marketing the office space with Sanderson Weatherall, added: “Leeds remains one of Europe’s top business destinations and still enjoys healthy demand for high quality office accommodation, despite the economic downturn.

“This development is in an excellent location and offers an opportunity for potential occupiers to influence the design and layout of their office space and also enjoy an on-site hotel for guests and employees.”