Leeds’ Merrion House set for major redevelopment

Work has begun to transform a Leeds landmark into a state-of-the-art customer services hub and main office base for Leeds City Council and partners.

Merrion House has been the base for 1,200 Leeds City Council staff for the past four decades.

The property is now completely empty in preparation for a team of construction workers, who will be undertaking significant construction work on it later this year now that the final agreements have been signed.

The transformation, carried out jointly by Town Centre Securities PLC and Leeds City Council, will provide new advantages to the city.

The customer services hub will be an ideal first port of call for one million plus visitors per year, seeking help on a wide range of issues including energy advice, council tax and student support.

A more integrated service will be created for partners such as Leeds City Credit Union and the Volunteer Centre Leeds, who will operate in a new fit for purpose space that will include self-service points and public facilities.

The Merrion House will also increase in size, extending to 170,00 sq ft of space, to house 1,900 staff, which is 700 more than previously.

This development is part of an initiative to reduce the council’s office buildings in the city centre from 17 to 4, bringing long-term savings of over £15m. £1.5m has already been saved through early release of buildings.

Opening in early 2018, the new Merrion House will be the main customer hub and office base in the city centre, with Leeds Civic Hall, Enterprise House and St George’s House also retained.

While the Merrion House redevelopment is ongoing, council officers have relocated temporarily to other council buildings and this has been achieved without renting any additional space, saving around £9m of anticipated costs.

Merrion House will be owned jointly by Leeds City Council and Town Centre Securities PLC, as part of a long term joint venture (Leeds City Council is investing in 175 yr lease and then taking a 25-year sub lease).

Planning permission was granted in 2014. Redevelopment includes not only building works but utility diversions and highways improvements.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: “This is a significant milestone in the ambitious project to transform Merrion House which will help it to become a key component in what is now a thriving and vibrant arena quarter.

“These improvements will complement the first direct arena and the Merrion Centre, supporting the continued economic and cultural growth of the area while helping the council to achieve significant savings.

“Once completed, Merrion House will also be a state-of-the-art base for some of the council’s key front-line staff which will allow us to deliver services in a more sustainable and cost effective way both now and in the future.

“Bringing these services all under one roof will also mean members of the public will be able to access what they need from us quicker and more efficiently.”