Refurbishment of Leeds Offices completes

The refurbishment and redevelopment of Merrion House, a 1970s office building occupied by Leeds City Council is now complete. The development was part of the council’s ‘Change in the Workplace’ strategy, which provides the council with additional office areas in the annexe, a one-stop facility and new retail units creating an active frontage at ground floor level. The refurbished block and annexe are linked by an atrium, which provides a welcoming setting for both the public and staff entrances.

Located in close proximity to several conservation areas and landmark buildings, the building has been remodeled to embody the client’s aspirations for a high quality building with a considered material palette and external appearance that is sympathetic to its surrounding context.

Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent, the CAT B office fit-out includes a gas-fired generator that produces on-site electricity that can be exported back to the grid with the potential to connect to the wider district mains.

The reconfigured building provides 15,500sqm of affordable, modern office accommodation for 1,900 staff, based around smart working that maximises occupational efficiency and creates a revitalised workplace for tenants.

BDP was architect, civil and structural engineer, landscape architect, acoustic and sustainability consultant for the £42M project for Town Centre Securities and Leeds City Council.