International insurance broker W Denis has secured planning consent to revamp its new headquarters at 8 St. Paul’s Street in Leeds City Centre.
The 20,000-square-foot, six-storey property was purchased by W Denis earlier this year in a deal negotiated by Carter Towler. The approved project will expand its total floor space by approximately 30% and add a rooftop terrace.
“We are absolutely delighted; this is excellent news for W Denis,” said Richard Fraser, director at Carter Towler. “They have exciting and extensive plans to redevelop the property and create a flagship head office facility for their growing business.”
According to Fraser, the broker’s redevelopment plans for 8 St Paul’s Street encompass a comprehensive overhaul of the building. This includes recladding the exterior, replacing all windows, and undertaking a complete interior overhaul to create offices with facilities such as meeting rooms, break out areas, gymnasium, showers and changing areas.
“Incorporating all the latest communications and energy saving technology, this will be one of the most prestigious head offices in the city,” Fraser said.
W Denis managing director Simon Thew also commented on the planning approval, calling it an important milestone for the business.
“Since the birth of our company in Leeds employing 4 people, we now have more than 100 employees working in Leeds, Manchester, the Midlands, London and Europe,” said Thew. “We provide insurance services and complex risk transfer solutions to businesses in over 20 countries. Our development of 8 St Paul’s Street means we are now ready to create the kind of head office facility that will fully support our staff and our future growth.”
Thew went on to acknowledge the team that has been assembled for this project, which includes architects brown + company, interior designers R U Creative, and Carter Towler’s building consultancy.
“We are very much looking forward to seeing work start on site and even more so to the completion which is scheduled for Autumn 2024,” he said.
Leeds-based W Denis was established in 1963 and currently serves clients across the UK and around the world. Its previous office building Brigade House on Kirkstall Road was sold to The Birmingham Property Group.
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