KPMG moves to striking city headquarters

The 61,000 sq ft, eye-catching building has been developed exclusively for KPMG, which employs 800 people in the city.

The firm will move in almost five years after formally expressing an interest in the site in December 2010.

Chris Hearld, North region chairman, 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.”

A feature wall in the reception reflects Yorkshire’s landscapes, heritage and current iconic structures, including images photographed by KPMG employees.

A juke box in the cafe (the only Hej cafe outside of London) is also a tribute to the history of the site as the location of the former Queens Hall concert venue.

The building and interior are designed to be environmentally responsible, featuring sustainable timber, carpets and soft furnishings, as well as cycle parking bays and a green roof.

Coun Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, 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.”