Insurance Broker wins planning approval to create flagship HQ in Leeds

Leeds-based international insurance broker W Denis has received planning consent to remodel 8 St Paul’s Street in Leeds City Centre by extending its total floor space by approximately 30% and adding a roof terrace.

The 20,000 sq ft, 6 storey property was purchased by W Denis earlier this year in a deal negotiated by Carter Towler.

Commenting on the planning approval Carter Towler Director Richard Fraser said: “We are absolutely delighted; this is excellent news for W Denis. They have exciting and extensive plans to redevelop the property and create a flagship head office facility for their growing business.

“Their plans include recladding the building, replacing all windows, completely stripping out all interiors and refitting to provide extremely high-quality modern offices with all the very best facilities such as meeting rooms, break out areas, gymnasium, showers and changing areas, coffee lounge and roof terrace. Incorporating all the latest communications and energy saving technology, this will be one of the most prestigious head offices in the city.”

Simon Thew, W Denis Managing Director, added: “This a landmark day for our business. Since the birth of our company in Leeds employing 4 people, we now have more than 100 employees working in Leeds, Manchester, the Midlands, London and Europe. We provide insurance services and complex risk transfer solutions to businesses in over 20 countries. Our development of 8 St Paul’s Street means we are now ready to create the kind of head office facility that will fully support our staff and our future growth.

“We have selected a fantastic team to work with us to achieve this including architects brown + company, interior designers R U Creative and Carter Towler’s Building Consultancy. We are very much looking forward to seeing work start on site and even more so to the completion which is scheduled for Autumn 2024.”

Acting on behalf of W Denis, Carter Towler managed the sale of W Denis’ previous office building Brigade House on Kirkstall Road to The Birmingham Property Group. The residential development property company has plans to demolish the existing building to make way for the construction of up to 198 apartments.