MEPC’s Wellington Place has scooped a prestigious award for regeneration at last night’s Yorkshire Property Awards, the annual event that recognises property leaders across the region.The award for Best Regeneration Project, Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2010, went to MEPC’s Wellington Place for its £1m greening investment to turn the site into a vibrant business and community hub during the downturn.
While many of the UK’s developers opted to mothball paralysed sites, MEPC bucked the trend by investing £1 million enhancing its public realm, including; the creation of green space, urban gardens, a five-a-side football pitch and orchard on what would otherwise have been a derelict site.
The investment has been instrumental in attracting occupiers to the site with Wellington Place securing 25,000 sq ft of lettings already this year. With only 86,000 sq ft of office accommodation across Leeds City Centre let so far in 2010, Wellington Place holds more than a third of all letting.
Andrew Barlow, Managing Director of Wellington Place, said: “Our commitment to Leeds City Centre inspired us to invest in the site while projects were stalled. We have witnessed across the region how abandoned plots of land can affect the morale of a city. Not only is Wellington Place an attractive place to work and visit but it is recognised by investors as a progressive development which recognises its responsibility to the city.”
Wellington Place recently also won a prestigious award at the prominent Leeds Architecture Awards. The Temporary Works award celebrates innovation and commitment to the community. MEPC was praised for turning its 22 acre site to a city centre resource that can be enjoyed by those who live and work in the surrounding area, creating a new community hub. Judges said MEPC should be applauded for providing such a vibrant community space and for demonstrating a long-term commitment to Leeds during the economic downturn.
