Leeds-based Evans Property Group has completed its £25m investment into reviving the Bond Court area of Leeds city centre, bringing to life a host of commercial and leisure services. In collaboration with Leeds City Council, the team’s ambitious five-year project has transformed this important area in the heart of the city with new offices, a 5* luxury boutique hotel, restaurants and new public spaces.
The property developer and investor has realised its commitment and investment into its home city with the jewel in the crown of Bond Court undoubtedly being the 95-bed, 5-star Dakota Deluxe Hotel, which opened in May, bringing a stylish new concept to Leeds.
Dakota is a lifestyle brand synonymous with timeless style and exceptional service and its founder is internationally acclaimed hotelier Ken McCulloch, the mastermind behind the Malmaison brand. It includes the destination Bar & Grill restaurant and Salon Privé, a cocktail bar with a first-floor terrace.
The programme of works at Bond Court includes the extensive upgrade of the Minerva and Capitol buildings, creating more than 50,000 sq ft of much-needed Grade A, BREEAM Excellent office space. The prestigious new offices are complemented by circa £1 million worth of extensive public realm and landscaping works, including new pedestrian links to Greek Street.
Capitol has been a success story with one of Yorkshire’s largest law firms, hlw Keeble Hawson, leasing the mezzanine floor; planning practice Quod North relocating its Leeds office into the building and the UK’s leading car information expert, CAP Automotive Ltd, expanding headquarter operations within the building.
Additionally, Minerva has enjoyed a host of lettings; leading discretionary investment manager, Standard Life Wealth, property firm BNP Paribas, global financial services company UBS and law firm Gateley have all joined the tenant line-up and existing occupier CDI AndersElite has also expanded into a larger suite to facilitate their expansion.
A new-look retail and leisure line-up at Bond Court brings an unrivalled amenity offering to the heart of Leeds. Dining is another key element of the scheme. In Minerva House, the newly-launched 180-cover Tattu restaurant brings innovative Chinese cuisine with added distinctive glamour, its unique interior design inspired by body art and its diverse history.
Living Ventures’ Blackhouse Grill restaurant, already a firm fixture in the city, has now committed to Bond Court with a 25-year lease extension. This comes after Evans secured planning permission from Leeds City Council to create a new terrace and elevation improvements.
Alan Syers, Portfolio Director at Evans Property Group commented:
“Leeds is a major hub for professional services and its office market has seen unprecedented levels of demand. The transformation of the Bond Court area has created a hugely desirable office and leisure destination, a dynamic connection of the city’s traditional commercial district with its retail core.”
“It has been a busy and exciting time working with Leeds City Council on this high profile project and we are very proud to see the whole scheme come to fruition. Before 2013, Bond Court was in a poor state of repair and forgotten by many local businesses. These works have transformed it into a thriving, stylish and upmarket city centre destination,” continued Alan Syers.
Cllr Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning said:
“At a time when tourism visits to Leeds are growing year on year, quality hotel developments are a welcome addition to the city centre. The redevelopment of Bond Court and the buildings around it have been transformational and are indicative of the economic confidence in Leeds.
“Bond Court is now a high quality piece of public space, which, thanks to these improvements is less car dominated and we are already seeing increased footfall on the space”.
