Office deal secured at Leeds landmark

Jersey domiciled investment partnership UKRO has secured a deal to let 12,500 sq ft of prime office space at the newly refurbished Park Row House in Leeds city centre.

Red Kite Games has agreed a ten-year lease for studio space on the 4th and 5th floors of the landmark Grade II listed building.

Founded in 2012 by ex-Rockstar Games developer Simon Iwaniszak, Red Kite Games has established a reputation as a technology-led, multi-platform studio providing a range of services to global partners on high profile titles across mobile, console and PC. The company is relocating from Huddersfield to larger premises in Leeds to facilitate growth following its acquisition by UK games development powerhouse Sumo Digital.

Gary Dunn, MD of Sumo Digital said, “We are pleased to be opening a new location in Leeds city centre to house the next stage of Red Kite’s journey. The prestigious new address at Park Row House will provide a springboard to drive growth in this studio as part of Sumo’s goal of increasing headcount in all seven of our studios across the UK and India.”

Park Row House has recently undergone a £750,000 refurbishment programme following the acquisition of the 42,289 sq ft building by UKRO. Floors three, four and five of the building have been upgraded with modern features including exposed ceilings, LED lighting, VRF air conditioning, full access raised floors, on site commissionaire, basement parking, shower and cycle store facilities.

Jonathan Gale, Asset Manager for ADAPT Real Estate who, working with Ship Street Advisors, advises UKRO, said, “Park Row House is a very well-known landmark building, in a fantastic location, with great historical character. The refurbishment was intended to create a more cutting-edge, exposed look to broaden appeal to creative industries and we are delighted to welcome Red Kite Games to the building as a result.”

Richard Dunn, head of Sanderson Weatherall’s agency team appointed to market Park Row House commented “We’re really pleased to confirm Red Kite Games as a Tenant in the building. Located in the heart of the city’s business district, this is a stunning Victorian property and the recent refurbishment has created an interior that appeals to the thriving creative sector in Leeds. With only two small suites still available and good levels of interest we’re hoping to announce that the building is fully let in the near future. “

Since acquiring the building UKRO has also renewed lease agreements with Icelolly.com and Gravitas Recruitment Group. Other occupiers include St Paul’s Chambers, Search Consultancy and Charlton Morris.

Sanderson Weatherall are joint agents on the property alongside Savills. Gavin Black of Gavin Black, acted for Red Kite Games / Sumo Group Plc.