News

Hat trick of deals at Kirkstall Forge studios

CEG has appointed a team to deliver the design development of the next phase of 200,000 sq ft ofCEG has secured the first three businesses at its Forge Studios following new lettings to Smart Buildings Ltd, BUPA and Trufe.

The Let Ready studios were launched on the second floor of the striking first 110,000 sq ft office development at Kirkstall Forge earlier this year. Offering well-designed, comms-ready and fully-furnished space, complete with fitted kitchens, break-out and meeting areas, they provide workspace for teams of eight upwards. Available on all-inclusive, flexible terms they are designed with growing businesses in mind.

Customers also benefit from the facilities on offer within Number One Kirkstall Forge, including a full suite of easy to book meeting rooms, Butler’s café and informal business lounge and the Forge Life concierge team, event and activities programme.

Smart Buildings Ltd, which is part of ENGIE, the energy, services and regeneration group, has taken the 32-desk Studio 5. The company is at the forefront of cutting-edge technology; developing smart building solutions that integrate systems and devices to deliver improved working environments, and has already achieved wide recognition for its innovation in optimising workplaces and enhancing employee wellbeing.

Mark Davenport from Smart Buildings said: “We are excited to be moving in to Kirkstall Forge as this brand-new office space will allow us to really showcase our smart buildings technology”

Smart Buildings has taken a three-year lease in the fully-fitted studio, benefitting from the lease flexibility structure on offer at Forge Studios, enabling the company to grow or contract as projects require.

Bupa, which currently occupies 24,000 sq ft of Number One Kirkstall Forge, has also taken the 14-desk studio 2, expanding into this flexible space to accommodate a special project. Attracted by the easy-in, easy-out simple lease and the ability to move into the fully-fitted out space on day one, the company has completed a three-year deal.

Trufe, a new, fast-growing financial services company has also moved into eight-desk studio 1. Phill Green, Founder & CEO at Trufe said: “Choosing Kirkstall Forge was a big decision but I am delighted I did. The development represents my business and brand brilliantly as well as increasing our credibility. This is a Grade A development and I’m extremely pleased to be part of the family.”

Paul Richardson, investment manager at CEG, explains: “We saw an opportunity to provide a contemporary and inspiring environment to nurture smaller businesses as well as large corporates within Number One Kirkstall Forge. The Studios also offer flexible, high quality offices for companies needing temporary grow-on or project workspace.”

 “This, coupled with the clear, easy, swift and flexible all-inclusive leases, means we have seen a great deal of interest. We welcome our first three customers which have a great deal of synergy with the Kirkstall Forge ethos, with our smart and healthy building prowess proven through the building’s WiredScored Platinum digital connectivity and UK’s healthiest workplace awards.”

Named the best UK Commercial Workplace by the British Council of Offices, Number One Kirkstall Forge is designed to a specification which exceeds most city centre products, it harnesses its unique setting, offering those within the building exceptional views across the riverside, wooded valley.

The top four floors of the building are now Zenith’s headquarters, with the remaining three floors housing Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Ltd, Bupa, CEG and Butlers restaurant and bar. The calibre of the new tenants is evidence of the high specification of the space, as well as the benefits offered by the adjacent railway station connecting to Leeds City Station in six minutes, on-site cycle, car and scooter hire, riverside and woodland setting.

Only four Let Ready Studios remain available within the building and design work is underway on the next 200,000 sq ft office development.

Ultimately, the £400million Kirkstall Forge scheme is set to become home to a thriving mixed-use community comprising of 1,050 new homes, 300,000 sq ft of offices and 100,000 sq ft of retail, leisure and community space.