Global insurance broker takes up Leeds offices

Willis Group signs for 3,619 sq ft at Highcross’s Toronto Square

Article posted: 26 Sep 2011

Highcross has let 3,619 sq ft of office space in Leeds city centre at its Toronto Square office building to global insurance broker, Willis Group. The deal is the third completed within the last two months for the property fund manager and brings the total of accommodation let at the building since March to 18,000 sq ft.

With over 400 offices in almost 120 offices, the Willis Group has taken the first floor space on a ten-year lease and will relocate thirty personnel from its existing offices in Leeds.

Commenting on the move, Will Monaghan, Lease Manager, Global Real Estate at Willis Group, said the decision to move to Toronto Square reflected the building’s high specification: “We were looking for modern, Grade A quality office space in central Leeds, which could be fitted out to meet our standards and provide an appropriate image and environment for our business.”

Since early July, Highcross has attracted four new occupiers to Toronto Square, including specialist healthcare law firm Capsticks which took 4,441 sq ft for its first Leeds office; Bowman Riley, the architects for the scheme, which has taken 1,456 sq ft and independent town planning consultancy, Indigo Planning, which has moved into 2,595 sq ft office space on the sixth floor.

Highcross Senior Asset Manager, Iain Taylor comments: “Toronto Square has demonstrated strong lettings performance over recent months, despite the continuing challenging economic conditions. The building’s success in attracting major professional firms, including most recently, Willis Group, reflects the quality of the specification and the convenient location, right in the heart of the city’s business district.”

Meanwhile, Highcross recently began work to expand its 1000 Lakeside business park in Hampshire which provides office space in Portsmouth’s North Harbour. The expansion will see the creation of further office accommodation together with a new access road, a hotel and additional facilities for the park.

Agents for Toronto Square are CB Richard Ellis and Knight Frank. BNP Paribas acted for Willis Group. 

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Posted by Jo