Work is underway by sustainable developer Citu to create a new workspace that will be the first net zero carbon commercial building in Leeds.
The Place has been designed to be a healthier, more positive environment for businesses looking for a post-pandemic solution to working life.
Located on Leeds’ South Bank at the Climate Innovation District, The Place has been accredited Net Zero Carbon as assessed by the UK Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Framework.
The three-storey building is the first commercial building in the Climate Innovation District, and the first address on a new street in Leeds – Central Place.
Chris Thompson, Citu Managing Director, said: “What we’re increasingly aware of is how incredibly important it is for businesses to offer their staff healthy, positive workplaces where people want to be. Working from home has benefits for some but we still want to come together, to collaborate with our colleagues and to enjoy being at work, rather than simply performing tasks from our screens.
“Many typical offices are just not appealing and, at worst, feel unhealthy with false ceilings, air-conditioned, energy-sapping rooms. Inspiring, flexible workplaces are key to attracting and retaining talent, and this is exactly what we aim to achieve with The Place.”
A dedicated roof terrace houses a tennis court, yoga spaces and ample space for space for events, relaxation, exercise and socialising.
The interior spaces have been designed with a natural, clean aesthetic to encourage safe interaction and collaboration. The air is filtered with warmed fresh air creating a comfortable, positive environment. The windows are floor-to-ceiling triple glazing that floods the building with natural daylight but helps control the temperature.
Workers at The Place will benefit from landscaped public realm and acres of outdoor space which is being developed and links to the River Aire and the new Aire Park which will be under construction in early 2021.
Low carbon building materials and processes are a feature of all Citu developments, and The Place includes solid cross-laminated timber floors, low energy timber-framed walls and cement-free concrete to minimise the carbon involved in its construction.
Nick Salkeld of Fox Lloyd Jones, agents acting on behalf of Citu, said: “The Place is a game-changing, forward-thinking development which businesses in Leeds should be really excited about. Connecting into the various amenities at Leeds Dock, there’s nowhere else like this in Leeds for forward thinking businesses to put down roots. As we all get used to a different way of life, Citu are already miles ahead, developing a workplace which has people and the planet at the heart.”
