Refurbished office in Leeds could provide work space for up to 250 staff

Regional REIT has embarked on a £2 million refurbishment and rebranding of The Coach Works at 21 The Calls, Leeds.

A spokesman added: "With the onset of Covid-19, mid-programme, the company took the decision to invest heavily in measures that will make the building more resilient for the new working environment."

Formerly known as Chancellor Court, The Coach Works is made up of two buildings totalling 41,479 sq ft of office space.

The refurbishment is on track to deliver new space over four floors. The building work has helped to support 37 construction industry jobs.

A spokesman said: "Once the vacant offices are let, then there could be between 200 and 250 people working from them."

Ben Mitchell, Senior Asset Manager at London & Scottish Property Investment Management, the asset manager for Regional REIT, said: “At the start of the pandemic many companies adopted a work-from-home mode.

"But the creative industries in particular quickly realised that the home environment was not be as productive as anticipated. Apart from the isolation that comes from social distancing, home working does not provide the human connection and engagement that many creative communities thrive on.

"As responsible developers we must instigate the changes necessary to make our creative workplaces as safe and protected as possible.

“In close collaboration with our consultants, including KPP Architects, BNP Paribas Real Estate, TB&A and the main contractor JP Wild, we have quickly reacted with a number of design modifications that will provide valuable peace of mind.”

One such modification is the installation of Superloos, which are self-contained cubicles with a toilet, vanity unit and hand-drying facilities.

Ventilation has also been adapted to improve fresh air flow and extraction.

The Coach Works is owned by Regional REIT and is part of its UK property portfolio worth in excess of £700 million.

Suites from 3,250 sq ft up to 10,000 sq ft are available to let at The Coach Works. Knight Frank and Cushman & Wakefield are marketing the scheme.

The renovation programme is expected to complete by early December.