A riverside office block in Leeds is set to be refurbished as Leeds Building Society prepares to make the site its new head office.

Contractor GRAHAM has started work on the site in Sovereign Street to strip out and refurbish the former Sovereign House.

The new head office will bring together more than 800 Society colleagues currently spread across three city centre locations.

Karen Wint, Leeds Building Society's Chief Operating Officer, said: "Our new home is a significant investment in the future of the Society and a major commitment to Leeds in the long term.

"We're pleased to be working with GRAHAM on this important project and it's exciting to see the work start on site after many months' planning and preparation. We've been able to use Leeds-based professional skills in designing our new home, collaborating with businesses including DLA, Hoare Lea, Sweco and Gardiner & Theobald.


"We've been particularly focused on how our move enables us to cut our carbon footprint – replacing the building's façade will improve thermal and lighting performance and all our power needs will be met from renewables.

"This site's excellent location was another factor – its good transport links are another way to help us reduce our environmental impact."

Mark Gibson, Managing Director - GRAHAM interior fit-out, added: "We are delighted to be working with Leeds Building Society on the delivery of their new home. This 80,654 sq ft refurbishment is a signature project for our Leeds delivery team and a further example of our growth and long term commitment to the region. We are grateful to Leeds Building Society and the wider project delivery team for trusting GRAHAM to be their construction partner on this iconic office development."

The work is expected to be completed in early 2021.

(CM/MH)