Seneca Property takes the reins at Lawnswood
Continuing its busy 2026, the investor has completed the acquisition of the 150,000 sq ft North Leeds business park, put up for sale at £20m this summer.
Seneca has wasted no time in setting out investment plans for the asset, acquired from Hillview Group. Hillview had bought the multi-let park in 2019 for around £26m.
The move shows North West-based Seneca looking to make good on its promise this summer to deploy £100m in office investment. The year has already seen the firm buy in Manchester and make its first entry into the Greater London market.
Lawnswood comprises eight detached office buildings set within more than nine acres of mature landscaped grounds, on the Leeds Outer Ring Road, around five miles from the city centre. The park is currently 81% occupied by 17 tenants.
Although the freehold estate was marketed by Knight Frank and ACRE with a guide price of £20m, the final purchase price has not been disclosed. ADSre advised Seneca Property on the deal.
Seneca’s plans include refurbishing existing accommodation, creating smaller, fully fitted office suites that are ready for immediate moves, and looking to improve the estate’s environmental performance and wider occupier experience.
The investment and asset management programme will be led by Seneca Flex, the group’s specialist workspace business.
Jeff Morton, chief executive, said: “Lawnswood is a significant addition to our portfolio and a good example of the opportunities we continue to identify in the office sector. We focus on well-located, prominent assets with strong fundamentals and established occupier demand, where our hands-on approach to asset management can unlock further potential.
“Our approach goes beyond simply acquiring buildings. We invest in improving our properties, work closely with occupiers and focus on delivering accommodation that meets their changing needs. Lawnswood is an excellent example of where we believe this approach can deliver real value.”
Seneca Property sits within the wider and long-established Seneca Partners investment and advisory business, based in Haydock.
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