Leeds office site wins wellbeing prize

Number One Kirkstall Forge won the Property Wellbeing Award in honour of design features which boost the health of its occupants.

The 110,000 sq ft building won the prize, awarded by construction journal Property Week, ahead of five building developments in London.

Natural light, scenic views and woodland surroundings are among features of the building which benefit staff wellbeing, said developer Commercial Estates Group (CEG).

The building’s rooftop also hosts 200 sq m of solar panelling, which saves around 10,000kg in carbon emissions a year.

Nick Lee, CEG’s head of commercial development said: “These awards are incredibly hard to win and we were up against some very challenging competition.

This accolade is a real team effort with all of our contractors proving their delivery of health and wellbeing objectives.

“Everything from its design and build, to its setting and sustainable travel offer are conceived to make the building’s occupants happier and healthier; which in turn has a positive impact on productivity. This building truly is different by design.”

The £400m Kirkstall Forge site will eventually include more than 1,000 homes and 300,000 sq ft of office space, along with shops and restaurants.

The office block previously secured WiredScore Platinum certification, also awarded to London’s Shard and New York’s Empire States Building, in recognition of its internet and telecoms facilities.

Kirkstall Forge is said to be the UK’s oldest continually industrialised site, with manufacturing heritage dating back to the 12th century.