Government department's new Leeds HQ

The Ministry of Justice is moving 200 employees to Number 5 at Wellington Place by taking over the first and second floors making the city centre block fully occupied.

It joins a wide variety of businesses already at the MEPC led development including Equifax, Sky Betting & Gaming, Willis Towers Watson, Ward Hadaway and Shulmans LLP.

Andy Mills, director of estates at the Ministry of Justice, said they were attracted to Wellington Place because of the modern, open and collaborative working environment and how close it was to Leeds station.

He added: “I’m delighted that 5 Wellington Place will be home to our Leeds Headquarters.

“The contract we’ve signed with MEPC will help us improve the quality and reduce the cost of our HQ estate.”

James Dipple, chief executive of MEPC said the deal with The Ministry of Justice was “a major milestone” for the Wellington Place scheme which is an office, retail and residential re-development of the 22 acre site - home to Leeds Central Railway Station from 1854 to 1967.

He added: “The Ministry of Justice are a great addition to our portfolio of customers and their move demonstrates the value that businesses, both commercial and public, see in our sustainable office space and wider commitments to being more than just a place to work.

“We’d like to wish the Ministry of Justice every success in its new office space, and look forward to welcoming more new businesses to the community at Wellington Place, as the development continues to expand.”

Number 3 Wellington Place, which is office and retail, is also now completed and will be launching next week.

There are also set to be more details released soon on the next stage which is 4 Wellington Place. It will be office space with south-facing rooftop terraces and views over Tower Square and 24 hour access.