Forty-Nine-B
49B St Pauls Street, Leeds LS1 2TE
Forty-Nine-B
A Contemporary Commercial Space in Leeds’ Financial Quarter
49B St Paul’s Street is a thoughtfully redeveloped commercial property located in the heart of Leeds’ prestigious Financial Quarter.
Positioned alongside the acclaimed 49A residential development, this complementary commercial space delivers high-quality, flexible office accommodation that meets the evolving needs of today’s professional and institutional occupiers.
Currently home to USU (University and College Union), 49B offers a modern working environment within a prime city-centre address — combining period character with contemporary functionality.
Programme Date
March 2023 - June 2024
Sector
Commercial & Residential
Services Provided
Planning & Construction
Project Costs
£1.5 Million
Project
Brief
The brief for 49B St Paul’s Street was to sensitively refurbish an adjoining commercial property to complement the neighbouring 49A residential scheme, while meeting the specific requirements of professional office occupiers.
The client’s goal was to deliver flexible, efficient office space with modern amenities and improved sustainability credentials, whilst retaining key architectural features of the original building.
A key challenge was integrating new mechanical and electrical systems within the existing structure, and delivering a workspace that would attract long-term, stable tenants.
Development
Process
The redevelopment process focused on balancing heritage restoration with modern commercial functionality.
Initial phases included a comprehensive survey and strip-out, followed by the installation of new services, structural enhancements, and interior fit-out to CAT B specification for the incoming tenant.
Throughout the project, close coordination between the project team, contractors, and tenant representatives ensured that the delivered space would meet both aesthetic and operational expectations.
Accessibility, wellbeing, and sustainability were key considerations throughout, with improvements to HVAC systems, lighting, and IT infrastructure.
Post Completion
Review
Project Delivery and Outcomes
49B St Paul’s Street was delivered on time and within budget, providing a high-quality commercial space that now serves as the Leeds base for USU.
The project successfully enhanced the building’s environmental performance while preserving its character, ensuring its long-term appeal within Leeds’ competitive commercial property market.
Key Project Highlights:
- Prime office space within Leeds Financial Quarter
- Sympathetic refurbishment of existing building fabric
- Upgraded HVAC, lighting, and IT infrastructure
- Delivered within agreed project timeline and budget
- Long-term commercial tenancy secured with USU
Building Features and Market Reception
The completed project has been well received by both the client and the market, providing a vibrant and comfortable working environment in a highly desirable location.
The property now offers flexible office layouts, enhanced natural light, improved building services, and a blend of modern and heritage design — all key drivers for attracting quality occupiers in the post-pandemic workspace market.
Enhanced Occupier Amenities:
- Upgraded reception and common areas
- Flexible open-plan office floorplates
- High-speed digital infrastructure
- Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC
- Excellent public transport links and local amenities
Client
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