Sweco takes 15,000 sq ft at 1 Whitehall Riverside

The European engineering, environment, and design consultancy has signed for the seventh floor at the Leeds office, in a deal brokered by Knight Frank.

The company is relocating its circa 200 staff from Chapel Allerton, where it has been for 25 years and will move in next spring.

1 Whitehall Riverside aims to promote collaborative working with co-working areas, focus rooms, and meeting rooms fitted with state-of-the-art technology.

An amount of £30/sq ft would be expected for this deal.

This letting comes hot on the heels of civil engineering company JN Bentley doubling its office space at 1 Whitehall Riverside, taking over the whole of the 17,124 sq ft fifth floor.

The Skipton-based company originally moved its Leeds city centre operations from Bank House to 1 Whitehall Riverside in October 2023.

Max Joy, Sweco’s UK president, said: “Our move to 1 Whitehall Riverside is about more than a change of address – it’s about who we are and where we’re going.

“Being in the heart of Leeds brings us closer to our clients, partners, and peers, while giving our people a modern, collaborative space that reflects our ambition.

“This move embodies our purpose of transforming society together, creating the conditions for us to deliver projects that have a lasting, positive impact.

“With sustainable design features, strong transport links and a vibrant riverside location, we’re proud to be stepping into a new chapter that will help us grow, connect and continue shaping the future of our communities.”

Eamon Fox, head of the Leeds office of global property consultancy Knight Frank, who advised Sweco, commented: “This is a very significant deal and a resounding endorsement of 1 Whitehall Riverside.

“We are delighted to welcome a company as successful as Sweco to Leeds city centre and the influx of more than 200 staff will be a massive boost the city’s economy.

“Two important lettings within a couple of months underline the pulling power of 1 Whitehall Riverside, which is owned by NFU Mutual.

“Both flourishing companies have made moves which can significantly contribute to their business success by enhancing employee morale,
promoting collaboration, improving client perception, and facilitating future growth.”