Concordia Works, 30 Sovereign Street, Leeds
This former yarn and cord warehouse, built in the early 20th century, has been transformed with the needs of modern businesses in mind, whilst sensitively maintaining its existing structure and many original period features. The unique and striking five storey property is five minutes from the central station in the heart of the main retail pitch and is opposite Sovereign Square, Leeds’ new urban garden.
The refurbishment of this formerly neglected building is a fusion of original features and modern design, which gel to create a dynamic hi-spec loft style workspace. The interior design respects the integrity of the warehouse’s industrial past with exposed brickwork, trusses, services and cast iron columns playing a major part in the building’s new look.
The five floors of adaptable open plan office space are well suited for the creative businesses looking for space in the area. Each office has dual aspects with the option of both natural and mechanical ventilation. The lighting is LED based with daylight sensors to maintain appropriate illumination levels whilst keeping operating costs at a minimum. The white ceilings and single plastered party wall also help to increase light distribution throughout the office space.
This project shows what can be achieved through careful and considered design and application. The new working environment combines the integrity of a well-built industrial heritage with best practices in modern office design. The restoration has been sensitively undertaken, retaining and reinforcing the original construction, whilst creating a modern workplace which meets the needs of the ‘techie’ occupiers.
This marvellous building could so easily have slipped into obscurity, but it has been restored and revived and is now a vibrant part of 21st century Leeds. Achieving a balance between the past and the present is notoriously difficult in terms of design and architecture, but this has been attained here..
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