Lloyds Banking Group has announced plans to move into what it called “the most energy efficient office buildings in Yorkshire” at 11 and 12 Wellington Place, Leeds.
This move is a landmark deal for the Yorkshire commercial property market — and at more than 120,000 sq ft it is the largest office letting in the region in recent years.
Lloyds Banking Group currently has 4,200 staff working in Leeds, and it will occupy five and a half floors in the building.
Jeff Pearey, head of UK regional office agency and Yorkshire / North East regions at JLL, acted for Wellington Place on the letting.
“The new offices, based in Leeds city centre, use an all-electric reversible air source heat pump system and air-cooled chillers to eliminate fossil fuel use and reduce operational carbon emissions,” said Lloyds Banking Group.
“Energy efficient design principles are embedded throughout, with triple-glazed windows to minimise heat loss, and maximise the use of natural daylight. The building also generates part of its own electricity by using 7,500 square feet of solar panels.
“11 and 12 Wellington Place is designed to achieve the maximum NABERS rating of 5* in addition to BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, the only building in Yorkshire with these combined accreditations. This is a testament to the advanced low-energy design and operational sustainability of the building.
“Reducing the group’s carbon footprint is a key part of our sustainability strategy. We’re working towards an ambitious set of commitments to change the way we operate as a business and help accelerate our plans to tackle climate change, to achieve net zero carbon operations by 2030.”
Lloyds Banking Group staff in the Leeds area will begin the move from Lovell Park to Wellington Place at the end of the year, with the transition complete by spring 2024.
Sharon Doherty, LBG chief people and places officer, said: “It’s a key part of our strategy to have the right spaces in the right places and we want everyone to love being in our offices.
“This means having the right facilities, tech and spaces as well as meeting our sustainability commitments, which are a critical part of our purpose of Helping Britain Prosper.
“Leeds continues to be an important hub for Lloyds Banking Group and our new offices will help us to work brilliantly together and attract new diverse talent into our organisation.”
Paul Pavia, Head of Development at property investment and development business MEPC, said: “As one of the UK’s largest financial services organisations, we are thrilled that Lloyds Banking Group has chosen Wellington Place as its new Leeds home.
“This is a landmark deal for the Yorkshire market and at more than 120,000 sq ft is the largest office letting in the region in recent years.
“The 11 & 12 Wellington Place development has set a new standard for sustainable development in Yorkshire and beyond.
“Lloyds is committed to environmental sustainability and its decision to move to 11 & 12 Wellington Place is evidence of this. Lloyds was also attracted to our extensive amenity offer and our programme of social value and community activities.
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming Lloyds and its people to the neighbourhood later this year.”