Sharp deal takes South Central above 50% lettings mark
The global tech company has relocated its UK headquarters to Shelborn’s Leeds office building, agreeing a 10-year lease on 10,200 sq ft.
Sharp, the Japanese name that established a global name in electronics, will occupy space on the first floor at the refurbished office building on Global Avenue, Millshaw, relocating from its previous base in East Ardsley, Wakefield.
Around 100 employees will be based at the new Leeds headquarters, which combines a flagship technology showroom with workspace. The lease includes a tenant break option after five years. Design Tonic has designed the space.
Shelborn acquired the former Barclays-occupied complex in 2021, rebranding it as South Central and instigating a £7m overhaul of the building, which now offers around 75,000 sq ft of workspace.
Deals secured since include Bluesmith Information Systems taking 11,000 sq ft. Other tenants include Inseego, Keepmoat and AON, with the Sharp deal taking the block to 52% let.
CBRE, with instructions to secure a high quality out of town office space with strong amenity, acted on the occupier side, with CBRE and Knight Frank acting jointly for the landlord.
Located close to Junction 1 of the M621 near the White Rose shopping centre, South Central benefits from on-site facilities including a café, gym, cycle storage, showers and EV charging points, together with one of the strongest car parking ratios in the Leeds office market.
Charles Parkinson, director at CBRE said: “Sharp had a clear brief. It wanted a modern headquarters that would provide a high-quality working environment while remaining easily accessible for employees, clients, partners and visitors.
“South Central stood out because it combines excellent connectivity with the quality of accommodation and workplace amenities that businesses are increasingly looking for when making long-term property decisions.
“The move gives Sharp a future-proofed headquarters in a well-established business location and reflects the continued demand we’re seeing for best-in-class out-of-town office space that genuinely supports employee experience.”
Mark Rabinowitz, director at Shelborn, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Sharp to South Central. Securing a business of Sharp’s calibre demonstrates the continued appeal of high-quality office space that offers occupiers excellent accessibility, strong environmental credentials and facilities that help attract and retain talent.
“This letting represents another positive milestone for South Central as we continue to attract businesses seeking modern, well-connected workspace in the Leeds market.”
