Commercial law firm Hill Dickinson has agreed a lease for 11 Wellington Place, one of the most sustainable office developments in Yorkshire. The firm’s rapidly growing Leeds team is set to move into the 254,879 sq ft building later this year.
The firm will occupy a full floor of the 10-storey number 11 building, taking 9,000 sq ft – a substantial increase on the 2,500 sq ft office the firm currently occupies in Bond Court.
The move comes as Hill Dickinson’s Leeds team continues to grow at pace. It has welcomed 12 new members of the team in the last 12 months, including Alison Starr, who joined as a partner from Eversheds Sutherland in January.
Hill Dickinson’s 40-strong Leeds team is currently focused on healthcare, corporate, real estate and construction. The move to Wellington Place is part of the firm’s long-term strategy to build a comprehensive business services offer within the city.
The new space also supports the firm’s drive to improve the sustainability of its operations, with buildings 11 & 12 Wellington Place rated EPC A and BREEAM Outstanding. They were the first outside London and the fourth in the UK to achieve a NABERS Design Reviewed Target Rating of Five Stars or above.
The smart-enabled building allows occupiers to monitor air quality levels in real time, is net zero carbon in use and is targeting 41% less energy consumption than the average building. The building will generate its own electricity through 7,500 sq ft of solar panels, feature air source heat pumps for heating and cooling, and water attenuation tanks.
The building’s green credentials are further boosted through the provision of electric vehicle charging points and 140 bicycle spaces.
As part of the fit-out, Hill Dickinson will launch a dedicated client suite alongside modern colleague facilities.
Tas Quayum, chief operating officer at Hill Dickinson, said: “11 Wellington Place marks a key milestone for our Leeds team and clients. It is a vibrant city with one of the fastest growing economies in the UK, and we see it as an important part of the future growth of Hill Dickinson. We are looking forward to being in the space with our team and clients later this year and celebrating this next step of our journey within the city.”
Esther Venning, Hill Dickinson partner and head of Leeds office, celebrated the signing, saying: “Having operated within Leeds for five years now, our team has grown considerably in that time. We are in a position to accelerate these plans even further as we expand our offering to new and existing clients. As such, we require an inspiring space that can grow alongside us, with 11 Wellington Place perfectly placed to offer this in the heart of the city.
“We are investing considerably in our sustainability efforts across Hill Dickinson, and our offices play a vital role in this. 11 Wellington Place boasts impressive green credentials, providing us with a new home that is fit for the future and exceeds our environmental requirements. We are incredibly excited to begin the move so our people and clients can take full advantage of this impressive new development.”
Paul Pavia, head of development at MEPC, the asset manager and developer behind Wellington Place, said: “Hill Dickinson has gone from strength to strength in Leeds and we are pleased to be supporting the firm here at Wellington Place as it continues its growth journey.
“As a forward-thinking business Hill Dickinson is committed to operating sustainably and its move to Wellington Place will support this important agenda.
“We continue to build upon our vibrant neighbourhood here at Wellington Place and we look forward to Hill Dickinson becoming a part of our growing business community.”
The firm will be joining Lloyds Banking Group and Arup, which recently announced their moves to 11 & 12 Wellington Place.
Fox Lloyd Jones was the agent for Hill Dickinson, with Savills and JLL acting for Wellington Place.
