Specialist real estate asset and investment manager, Catella APAM, proudly announces the successful negotiation of a 15-year lease agreement on behalf of its Danish client, Britannia Invest A/S, with the UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB) for its new headquarters at 2 Whitehall Quay, Leeds.
UKIB will move into its new city centre location at Whitehall Quay in early summer 2024 following the end of its current lease at One Embankment. The bank will occupy three floors of the newly refurbished premises, alongside the National Infrastructure Commission and the Low Carbon Contracts Company.
The move to Whitehall Quay reflects UKIB’s long-term commitment to Leeds and its continued contributions to the economic and professional vibrancy of one of the largest centres for finance and professional services outside London. With almost 250 permanent staff, the new space will also accommodate the Bank’s changing needs as a larger and more established organisation.
James Emmett, COO of the UK Infrastructure Bank, said: “We are delighted to be strengthening our commitment to Leeds with a new space at 2 Whitehall Quay. The fact UKIB is anchored in the city is a key part of the Bank’s identity, and we are proud to have our headquarters here. Signing this long-term lease marks the next chapter in UKIB’s development and recognises the strength of the talent and expertise in the region’s vibrant financial ecosystem. Our new premises will provide a space that enables us to house our staff, meet with clients, attract the best talent and collaborate in our mission to tackle climate change and boost growth across the UK.”
William Grenfell, Associate Director at Catella APAM, commented: “It is a pleasure working with UKIB to deliver a full turn-key occupational solution satisfying its requirements for its new Leeds headquarters. Works are well underway on site to deliver the fitted-out space and our client, Britannia Invest A/S, is delighted to have secured UKIB and looks forward to its occupation of the premises this summer.”
The agreed lease, facilitated by Fox Lloyd Jones and CBRE, secures three floors spanning over 28,700 sq. ft. of the 2 Whitehall Quay building.
Nick Salkeld, Director of Fox Lloyd Jones, sad: “We are hugely satisfied to have secured 2 Whitehall Quay as UKIB’s new permanent home in Leeds. The building offers state-of-the-art workspace in a prime location and after a highly competitive process was demonstrated as the best solution. The project has required a huge amount of collaboration and effort on all parts. We’re already receiving strong interest in the final remaining 7,161 sq. ft. suite available.”
Senior Director of CBRE, Alex Hailey, commented: “The fact that the Infrastructure Bank have selected 2 Whitehall Quay as their new HQ is testament to the quality of the refurbishment undertaken by Catella APAM. With an emphasis on wellbeing and sustainability, Whitehall Quay will be the perfect building for the Infrastructure Bank to attract and retain the best talent and continue their growth in the city.”