The Mayor of Wakefield Opens KU’s New HQ
20 August 2010
The Mayor of Wakefield, Councillor Tony Wallis, officially opened Kingston Unity Friendly Society’s (KU) new office at 9 Navigation Court, Calder Park, Wakefield today (Friday 20 August).
The Mayor commented: “I am always keen to see new businesses move to the Wakefield area and am delighted Kingston Unity, with its tradition and history, has chosen Calder Park as their new home.”
The new premises, extending 2,250 sq ft over two floors, will serve as KU’s new headquarters, and seven members of staff have been relocated from their old office at Park Square West in Leeds. The move is part of KU’s expansion drive.
Ryden purchased the property on behalf of the local mutual friendly society, which was founded in 1840 and has over 55,000 members, for £292,000. The property consultancy also undertook extensive fit-out works within the building to create modern open plan office space.
Andrew Townsley, at Kingston Unity Friendly Society said: “It was a great honour to have the Mayor of Wakefield come along to help us celebrate the opening of our new headquarters. Our previous office served us very well but, as a result of ongoing growth and future business plans, we required larger premises.”
Matthew Edwards, Managing Partner at Ryden’s Leeds office commented: “We were delighted to be part of KU’s relocation to Navigation Court and I was pleased to be able to meet with the Mayor of Wakefield today. This is an excellent move for the firm as it will facilitate their expansion plans. The building is also situated on one of Yorkshire’s major business parks, has excellent transport links and, following our fit-out works, provides KU with high quality modern office space.”
Ryden also manages KU’s property investment portfolio which is performing well with no voids and has already re-let KU’s old headquarters at 25A Park Square West in Leeds to GT Stewart. The firm of solicitors has taken the space, extending 1,246 sq ft, in order to service a recent contract from Leeds Criminal Law Court. A five-year lease at a rental of £14,500 per annum was agreed.
