IBM has chosen Thorpe Park (pictured), near Leeds, for the relocation of its regional headquarters, after two years scouring Leeds for a new home.
The US computer giant has agreed a 2,973 sq m (32,000 sq ft ) prelet at a rent of £177.61 per sq m (£16.50 per sq ft) on a 25-year lease. Around 400 IBM employees are to move from the company’s Leeds city centre office to Thorpe Park, which is based at junction 46 of the M1 on the outskirts of Leeds.
Thorpe Park chairman Peter Gilman said: “Thorpe Park has attracted yet another established, global, technology business. Following our link-up with Leeds University, we are now ideally positioned to cater for companies which need specialised, cutting-edge technological and communications solutions.”
The tailor-made building specification will have an end value of around £7m. Construction began this week.
James Poskitt at DTZ, letting agent on the scheme, said: “IBM have been looking seriously for around two years. This transaction confirms Thorpe Parks leading position and its on-going rental growth.”
Other companies on the park include National Grid, Regus serviced business centres, Time Retail Finance and Cable & Wireless.
Weatherall Green & Smith in Leeds acted for IBM.
EGi News 11/07/01
