Office deal creates new Clarion HQ

Law firm will relocate to new Leeds offices next year

Article posted: 04 May 2011

Law firm Clarion is set to move next year in to new offices in Leeds city centre following the purchase of a prominent office building, Elizabeth House on Queen Street, by JF Finnegan.

The developer, which is based at offices in Sheffield,  has acquired the vacant 25,000 sq ft building from Valad Property Group, acting on behalf of the Osprey managed fund, for an undisclosed sum. It will shortly commence a comprehensive Grade A refurbishment programme to create high quality, contemporary office accommodation. 

Clarion will relocate its 100-strong team from its existing 10,000 sq ft of office space in Leeds on Oxford Place, into its new 15,000 sq ft headquarters next April. As well as refurbishing the interior, there are plans to modernise the exterior of the building. The upgrade will include creating a dedicated entrance for Clarion leading to its own reception area and three floors of office space.

Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office represented JF Finnegan in both the acquisition of the building and the 15 year lease to Clarion. SNR Denton UK LLP acted for Valad in the sale and Clarion was represented by property partner James Lawson in the lease deal.

Philip Hollister, chairman of JF Finnegan, said; “Elizabeth House presented an excellent opportunity for us to expand our portfolio and acquire a flagship office building in the heart of Leeds’ business district as well as bringing a significant building such as this back into use. Our in-house resources enable us to undertake the complete refurbishment works of the internal space and the external upgrade. We will be progressing with the refurbishment in the next few weeks with a view to complete by early 2012.”

Mark Burns, managing partner of Clarion, explains: “Since our launch four years ago, we have seen consistent growth and have been seeking larger offices in the heart of the Leeds business quarter for some time. As well as providing a modern and business-focussed environment to meet our clients’ needs and expectations, our fast expanding team will also be able to enjoy an improved working environment in premises which will be able to accommodate our continued growth.”

JF Finnegan has appointed Dresler Smith to market the additional 10,000 sq ft of transformed office accommodation which will be ready for occupancy early next year.

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Posted by Jules