KPMG opened the doors to its striking new office today at One Sovereign Square in Leeds city centre. Designed by international design practice Scott Brownrigg, the 61,000 sq ft building has been developed exclusively for the global professional services firm, which employs approximately 800 people in the city.  

Developed by urban regeneration specialist Muse Developments and constructed by Morgan Sindall, the building is one of three buildings which will face into a central public green piazza. The building’s design responds to the site context, creating an urban setting that connects seamlessly to the existing city fabric and is responsive and adaptive to future development. The four-storey building is sculpted by the existing context, with a leaning façade, which faces the public space to accentuate the momentum of the new masterplan. A central atrium space and top floor terrace creates a dialogue between the building and its surroundings.

David Wells, Regional Director, Muse Developments said: “It’s an important milestone both for One Sovereign Square and the regeneration of Sovereign Street that KPMG have now taken occupation of their new landmark office. We’ve worked closely with KPMG throughout the development process to ensure the building offers them an efficient, flexible and sustainable base to suit their business and employees’ needs.”

Chris Hearld, Northern Region Chairman, KPMG said: “We are delighted with One Sovereign Square, which more than delivers on the ambitions we’ve held for our new Yorkshire office from the outset. As well as providing us with an unrivalled, modern, flexible working environment, designed to foster collaboration and innovation, this building shows some real flair. We are keenly looking forward to welcoming clients and contacts to our new home over the coming weeks. I have no doubt that this state-of-the-art space will help us to attract the very best talent and to provide an inspiring working environment that will play a part in enabling all of us to deliver excellence to the organisations and individuals with whom we work.”

The office will provide a base for KPMG’s staff working across Yorkshire and further afield, and will also incorporate the firm’s Northern training facility. The building and interiors are designed to be environmentally responsible, featuring sustainable timber, a green roof and cycle parking bays.

Councillor Richard Lewis, executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, Leeds City Council, said: “The Leeds commercial sector is going from strength to strength and the opening of KPMG’s new office further reinforces the growth in Leeds as a major location for professional services in the UK. With the green space due to complete later this year and with further developments on stream, including the southern entrance to the station, Sovereign Square will become an attractive new addition to Leeds core business district.”