Caddick is set to expand the footprint of its iconic, Grade II listed building, Rose Wharf in Leeds, futureproofing the heritage building while taking care to preserve its unique history.
Having redeveloped Rose Wharf alongside Prose Investments Ltd, back in 1996, the property specialist underwent a £4.6m transformation of this former flax mill to create a unique office environment. Rose Wharf is now a hive of activity, with a range of tenants having occupied the building over the last two decades.
Inspired by its success over many years, Caddick now plans to reinvigorate the building, giving it a new look and creating a sustainable path into the future, whilst carefully preserving architecture from the building’s unique history – including barrel-vaulted ceilings, cast iron columns and internal stonework.
Caddick has also recently acquired a neighbouring building comprising 15,750 sq ft from Prose after a long and successful joint venture partnership. This acquisition will allow Caddick to provide additional high-quality, flexible office space for a wide range of business needs, as well as working with existing tenants should they wish to expand.
The refurbishment works are set to start on site in late 2024 and the building’s spaces, ranging from 400 sq ft – 35,140 sq ft, will be available for leasing from early 2025, along with 109 car parking spaces with EV charging points.
Working with commercial design and build experts, Design Tonic, Caddick plans for the refurbishment to include a brand-new business lounge with an independent café, fitted shared workspaces, and a striking outdoor terrace overlooking the River Aire and the Aire and Calder Canal.
Sustainability is a key design feature, particularly given the building’s position at the gateway to Leeds’ climate innovation district, and active travel will play a large part in the Rose Wharf story. The refurbishment will introduce a cycle storage hub along with changing facilities that include showers for those who cycle to work.
Delivering the refurbishment of Rose Wharf is a key example of Caddick’s Places for Life approach to creating healthy and inspiring places that redefine what it means to support people and the environment. Solar and PV panels that will incorporate air source heat pumps and natural ventilation for cooling are one of a number of measures targeting a low EPC B rating.
Fox Lloyd Jones and Carter Towler have been appointed as agents on the scheme.
Hollie Shackleton, Senior Asset and Development Manager at Caddick Developments, said:
“As a business, we’re committed to continuing our investment in the Leeds city region, supercharging economic growth in the city and creating jobs, while at the same time repurposing this stunning building so it’s ready for the future.
“Rose Wharf is much more than an office building, it’s a bold reimagination of a waterfront location that creates usable and relaxing spaces for a variety of businesses, fueling a dynamic, positive and productive working environment. The future here is exciting and we’re looking forward to welcoming new occupiers when the scheme completes.”
This latest project further highlights Caddick’s commitment to investing in Leeds, following successful projects at SOYO and Leeds Valley Park, as well as its recently announced South Village scheme.
To mark the start of the refurbishment of Rose Wharf, the team has created a new website to provide more information throughout the build. Please visit https://rosewharfleeds.co.uk/.
