Bruntwood launches flagship Leeds building

Many businesses have already chosen to make Platform their home including national law firm Shoosmiths, which has taken the whole of the ninth floor; Berwin solictors; Mercia Fund Managers; Business Growth Fund, Yorkshire IT managed services provider, Altinet; and digital design house, LightStart with more set to follow in the coming weeks.

The 13-storey, 120,000 sq ft Platform building which is already 56% let or under offer, provides a distinctive, collaborative co-working environment alongside 42 serviced offices and full floor plates of up to 9,720 sq ft ideal for larger companies. It is also set to be home to the city�s new tech incubator following support from Leeds City Council�s Tech Hub Fund, designed to support start up and scale up businesses from the region�s fast-growing digital technology and creative sector.

Craig Burrow, director of Bruntwood Leeds, said: �We�re delighted to have officially launched and that so many customers have decided to relocate here. Platform has been specifically designed to encourage creatively-minded businesses of all sizes and drive collaboration and innovation. We are proud to have created a business location reflecting Leeds� dynamic and confident outlook.

�Workspaces like we have created at Platform are helping to reinvent Leeds, improving how the city is perceived, making it a more desirable place to live and work, and better able to attract new people and businesses. With Platform we aim to showcase Leeds� tech ambition to leverage further inward investment, connect with local educational institutions and attract world-leading, innovative brands to the city.�

With an array of amenities, including an open-air roof terrace, lounge and meeting rooms, plus shower facilities, changing rooms and secure bike racks, Platform provides high-quality workspace for businesses of all sizes.

Platform will also offer a bespoke programme of business support, including a range of IP services from national law firm, Shoosmiths, Market Access services from PwC and a special Small Business service delivered by KPMG. There will also be social and networking events such as industry talks and seminars, health and wellbeing and mindfulness sessions facilitated by on-site community engagement manager, Wendy Denman.

Platform is also playing its part in Leeds� cultural life. As part of the building�s launch, Bruntwood commissioned Leeds Beckett University art students, graduates, staff and practicing artists to create a digital artwork on screens in Platform�s reception. Four Words: Technology is a series of 60 animations set to an exclusive soundtrack by artist and composer, Scanner and will be in place for three months and marks the beginning of a new curatorial programme at Platform.

Earlier in the year, Platform became home to the150ft-tall, 36ft-wide Athena Rising mural, the UK�s tallest mural. This was a collaborative project between Bruntwood, East Street Arts, LeedsBID, and the artists, Nomad Clan.