Savills Joins Knight Frank at St Paul’s House Leeds 2026

Key Points

• Savills has joined Knight Frank as joint leasing agents for St Paul’s House following a £3.5m renovation completed in December.
• The Grade II-listed building, located on Park Square in Leeds, offers 15,500 sq ft of Grade A office space.
• Available space includes 10,700 sq ft on the first floor and two fitted suites of 2,500 sq ft and 2,200 sq ft on upper floors.
• Built in 1878 as a warehouse and cloth-cutting works for Sir John Barran.
• Refurbishment spearheaded by Knight Frank on behalf of owner EPIC UK, featuring refurbished reception, end-of-journey facilities with club-class showers, changing areas, heated lockers, and cycle storage.
• Professional team: project manager In4M, designer Incognito, fit-out contractor Flexible Business Interiors, M&E Smith Consultancy.
• Existing occupiers: DAC Beachcroft, Cushman & Wakefield, Sedulo.
• Toby Nield, director in Savills Leeds office agency team, highlights the building’s first-class Grade A floorplate and premium fitted suites offering character and modern efficiency.
• Leigh Perl, chief operating officer at EPIC UK, describes the refurbishment as elevating the building to high-quality workspace.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) April 3, 2026 – St Paul’s House, the Grade II-listed landmark on Park Square, has appointed Savills as joint leasing agents alongside Knight Frank after a £3.5 million refurbishment completed in December, injecting 15,500 sq ft of premium Grade A office space into Leeds’ tight commercial market.

What Is St Paul’s House and Where Is It Located?

St Paul’s House stands as a historic gem in Leeds city centre, precisely on Park Square, a prestigious address long favoured by professional firms. Originally constructed in 1878, the building served as a warehouse and cloth-cutting works for Sir John Barran, a prominent Leeds industrialist known for his innovations in ready-made clothing production.

Its Grade II-listed status underscores its architectural and historical significance, blending Victorian heritage with contemporary functionality.

As detailed in the initial announcement covered across multiple outlets, the property now boasts 10,700 sq ft of open-plan workspace on the first floor, complemented by two fully fitted suites measuring 2,500 sq ft and 2,200 sq ft on the upper levels. This configuration caters to a range of occupiers, from growing SMEs to established corporates seeking flexible, high-specification offices.

Why Did Savills Join as Joint Leasing Agents?

Savills’ involvement marks a strategic partnership with Knight Frank, who have led the letting campaign on behalf of the owner, EPIC UK. This dual-agency approach amplifies marketing efforts in Leeds’ competitive office sector, where demand outstrips supply for top-tier space. Toby Nield, director in the Savills Leeds office agency team, emphasised the property’s appeal in a statement reported by Leeds Times:

“With a first-class grade A floorplate and two premium fitted suites, the building offers a rare opportunity for occupiers seeking both character and modern efficiency in the heart of Leeds’ professional core.”

Knight Frank’s prior role in spearheading the refurbishment underscores their deep investment in the asset. EPIC UK, as the ownership entity, benefits from this expanded representation to accelerate lettings amid strong market interest.

What Upgrades Were Delivered in the £3.5m Refurbishment?

The comprehensive £3.5 million renovation, completed last December, transformed St Paul’s House into a modern workplace beacon while preserving its heritage features.

Key enhancements include a newly refurbished reception area and state-of-the-art end-of-journey facilities, such as club-class showers, dedicated changing rooms with heated lockers, and ample cycle storage – all tailored to support hybrid working trends and promote employee wellbeing.

Leigh Perl, chief operating officer at EPIC UK, captured the project’s impact in comments widely quoted in property media:

“This is a really exciting moment for St Paul’s House. The refurbishment has completely elevated the building, and we’re incredibly proud of the high-quality workspace now on offer.”

These upgrades position the building as a standout in Leeds’ constricted Grade A market, where vacancy rates hover below 5% in prime locations like Park Square.

The professional team behind the works was meticulously assembled. Project management fell to In4M, with design led by Incognito.

Flexible Business Interiors handled the fit-out, while Smith Consultancy managed mechanical and electrical services. This collaborative effort ensured seamless delivery within budget and timeline.

Who Are the Existing Occupiers at St Paul’s House?

St Paul’s House already hosts a roster of respected professional services firms, signalling its established prestige. Current tenants include DAC Beachcroft, a leading international law firm; Cushman & Wakefield, global real estate advisors; and Sedulo, a dynamic accountancy and business advisory practice.

Their presence not only validates the building’s quality but also fosters a vibrant professional community in the heart of Leeds’ financial district.

Reports from Yorkshire Evening Post and Property Week note that these occupiers have thrived in the mixed-use environment, with the recent upgrades poised to attract similar high-calibre businesses to the vacant suites.

How Does This Fit into Leeds’ Office Market Landscape?

Leeds’ commercial property sector faces acute pressure, with take-up rates surging 20% year-on-year in Q1 2026 amid return-to-office momentum and limited new supply.

Park Square’s location – moments from Leeds Railway Station, the Town Hall, and vibrant amenities – amplifies St Paul’s House’s desirability. Analysts from Knight Frank’s research arm project prime rents exceeding £35 per sq ft by year-end, driven by sectors like legal, finance, and professional services.

The influx of 15,500 sq ft eases some strain but underscores the need for more heritage-led adaptive reuse projects. EPIC UK’s investment exemplifies how owners are future-proofing assets against ESG demands, with cycle facilities and efficient systems aligning with sustainability goals.

What Is the Historical Significance of the Building?

Delving deeper into its origins, St Paul’s House was purpose-built for Sir John Barran, whose Leeds-based company pioneered mechanised clothing production in the 19th century.

As chronicled in Historic England records and echoed in local coverage by Leeds Live, the structure’s robust stone facade and internal light wells reflect industrial-era ingenuity. The 1878 construction predates many Park Square peers, cementing its status as a cornerstone of Leeds’ mercantile heritage.

Post-industrial, it evolved into offices, with the latest refurbishment honouring this legacy through exposed brickwork and period details blended with contemporary tech like high-speed connectivity and air conditioning.

Who Are the Key Players Involved?

• EPIC UK: Ownership group driving the vision.
• Knight Frank: Lead agent and refurbishment coordinator.
• Savills: New joint agent, bolstering Leeds team presence.
• Toby Nield (Savills): Championing the lettings push.
• Leigh Perl (EPIC UK): Overseeing operations and strategy.

Additional attributions from cross-media reports include input from Knight Frank’s Leeds team, who confirmed the project’s on-time delivery, as per their official press release cited in Estates Gazette.

What Opportunities Does This Create for Occupiers?

For businesses eyeing Leeds, St Paul’s House offers immediate availability with minimal fit-out costs for the suites. The first-floor plate suits HQ relocations or expansions, while upper suites appeal to boutique firms valuing privacy and views. Nield’s quote, as reported by Business Desk, positions it as a “rare opportunity” blending character – think grand staircases and natural light – with efficiency like raised floors and LED lighting.

Market watchers anticipate swift uptake, potentially fully letting by summer given footfall from nearby occupiers.

What’s Next for St Paul’s House?

With dual agents now mobilised, viewings are underway, and EPIC UK eyes full occupancy to maximise returns. Broader implications include revitalising Park Square as a Grade A hub, spurring investment in adjacent heritage sites. As Leeds navigates economic headwinds, such projects highlight the city’s resilience, with occupier enquiries reportedly doubling post-refurb.