Labcorp selects former Kays catalogue site for life sciences centre

Developer CEG has submitted fresh plans for the redevelopment of Drapers Yard in Leeds, just weeks after being given the green light for an office scheme on the site. The firm was given the go-ahead to transform the former Kays catalogue into an 85,000 sq ft office scheme on 10 March but, after securing global diagnostics and drug development company Labcorp as a tenant, has resubmitted plans. CEG now wants to redevelop the site, which it bought last year, as a new HQ and 100-bed clinic for LabCorp. Labcorp plans to consolidate into the new buildings from two sites it currently occupies in the city, doubling its footprint. CEG hopes that the property, which has lain vcacant since 2004, will be ready for occupation by summer 2022. “The new Covance by Labcorp facility will be a gold standard clinical pharmacology investigational unit, commensurate with the outstanding global reputation of the UK life sciences sector,” said Oren Cohen, chief medical officer and general manager of clinical pharmacology services at Covance by Labcorp. “The new facility will allow us to continue our important work to test next-generation medicines that may improve health and improve lives in an exciting new environment that highlights the growing role of Leeds as a leader in life sciences.” Alongside the office and clinic space, the new scheme will also provide rooftop amenity space with a green, sedum roof and cycle facilities. The project sits within Leeds’ Temple masterplan area where CEG, alongside Leeds City Council, is bringing forward as much as 4m sq ft of further development. Antonia Martin-Wright, head of investment at CEG, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to deliver a UK Centre of Excellence for Labcorp. It will be a sustainable and energy efficient development, designed with occupant wellbeing in mind. It will bring a welcome economic boost to Temple supporting the city’s post-Covid recovery plans and helping to create a cluster for science, knowledge and innovation. The commitment to the site will also help to build further confidence that this is a fantastic business destination, just minutes from Leeds City Station, helping to attract future inward investment opportunities.” Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, added: “This is a hugely exciting piece of news for Leeds, and one that will strengthen the city’s reputation as a place where cutting-edge tech and a sense of history come together to positive effect. We already have an unrivalled health ecosystem, with four out of five NHS national offices being based here. In addition, Leeds is home to one of the largest concentrations of medical device companies in the UK and a rich pool of health, science and digital talent. “Labcorp’s medical research, drug development and clinical trial testing can change lives and Leeds’ supporting role in this work is a real source of pride. The commitment to retaining and creating high-quality jobs in the city is also a timely boost as we begin our recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, Labcorp’s choice of Drapers Yard is testament to the impressive momentum being generated in both the Temple district and the wider South Bank area, which is one of the largest city centre regeneration schemes in the country. The many transformative projects taking shape here include a collaboration between the council and CEG that is designed to bring Temple Works back into sustainable long-term use.” To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@egi.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @estatesgazette Photo: CEG