A significant deal has been completed at The Bourse, a prestigious office and leisure development in Leeds city centre.

Zest, the EV Charging Network Provider, has taken 2,418 sq ft of quality office space on the fourth floor of Bond House, one of the three self-contained buildings which make up the Bourse.

The Bourse is a landmark scheme located on Boar Lane less than 100 yards from Leeds Station and features 50,000 sq ft of high-quality space over three buildings, overlooking a private central courtyard.

Each of the buildings, Equity House, Sterling House and Bond House, has its own designated entrance with an NCP multi-storey car park to the rear. The Bourse has undergone a comprehensive multi-million pound refurbishment to provide Grade A offices of the highest standard.

Zest’s business has grown rapidly over the past year, with infrastructure deployed across the UK, from Cornwall to the Outer Hebrides. The Zest team has grown from fewer than ten employees at the start of the year to more than sixty today and the company aims to continue to flourish within its new head office at the Bourse. Graduates from the local universities have taken a significant number of these new roles.

As a certified carbon neutral company committed to reducing its per capita emissions, Zest needed an energy efficient office where usage could be precisely measured and audited. It also needed to be close to public transport to enable more carbon-efficient journeys to the office. The Bourse offers both.

Clem McDowell, director at Leeds-based property consultancy Carter Towler, who advised landlords Paloma Capital on the Zest deal, commented: “We are delighted a company of the calibre and reputation of Zest has taken quality space at the Bourse. This deal underlines the Bourse’s reputation as one of the finest heritage office buildings in central Leeds.”

Elizabeth Ridler, partner with global property consultancy Knight Frank, who also advised Paloma Capital, added: “It is also fantastic news that at the same time as the Zest deal, the newly refurbished 2,701 sq ft ground floor suite at Sterling House has gone under offer prior to practical completion. Together with Zest and the trilogy of lettings to Ayko, Synthatics and Smmmile Dentists that were concluded earlier this year, these are very exciting times for the Bourse.

“The refurbishment of this latest self-contained suite attracted a lot of interest due to its large windows, high ceiling and period feel, that also benefits from a dual aspect on to the Bourse Courtyard and Trevelyan Square.

“Space is now at a premium at the Bourse, with Bond House now full. Two suites remain on the third floor of Equity House which are available either individually or as a whole (617-1,875 sq ft). Given the high-quality of the space in this special building, together with its magnificent location, these offices will continue to prove very popular, especially to up-and-coming creative and tech firms who are thriving in Leeds.

“Furthermore, despite the cost-of-living crisis putting upward pressure on costs, the landlord is still maintaining the competitive quoting rent of £21.50 per sq ft but perhaps more importantly is the continuance of the capped service charge that includes for utilities which remains at £7.50 per sq ft subject to annual RPI increases”.

“The extensive renovation works have transformed The Bourse into a welcoming and attractive environment. Meanwhile the vibrancy of the immediate area, with the new bars and restaurants, including Rudy’s Pizza Napolitano situated on the ground floor of Bond House, as well as Trinity Leeds, gives occupiers exactly what they want. The Bourse is a hidden gem in the centre of the city.”

Robin Heap CEO at Zest said: "The Bourse is a stone's throw from the train station, ideal for low-carbon commuting and convenient for our clients. This office enables us to develop our hybrid working arrangements in the thriving heart of the city, as we continue to establish ourselves as one of Leeds’ nationwide success stories in the carbon zero economy.”