Hill Dickinson advises Ashtrom on £78m office deal in Leeds

Leading international law firm Hill Dickinson has advised Ashtrom Properties UK on its acquisition of Central Square in Leeds’ financial district in a deal that completed today, Tuesday 22 October.

The landmark Leeds office building has been acquired for £78 million and the transaction is thought to be the largest office investment deal in Leeds for more than five years. Alastair Moss of Hill Dickinson led the legal team advising Ashtrom, which was made up of legal specialists from the firm covering construction, tax, employment, finance and planning work.

Central Square comprises 217,249 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation across 11 upper floors above 13,126 sq ft of retail, restaurant and ground floor leisure units. Current tenants include Marks & Spencer, PwC, RSM UK Management, Freeths, GXO Logistics, Sky, Sanderson Weatherall and BDO Services.

Guy Lewinsohn, chief executive of Ashtrom Properties UK, said: “The successful acquisition of this prominent building in the heart of Leeds marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to invest in the future of the UK’s regional city centres, which we believe are poised for strong growth.”

Sarah Jelly, Director at Ashtrom Properties UK, added: “From the commencement of our initial diligence through to transaction execution, the advice and market knowledge of the Hill Dickinson team was instrumental in ensuring a seamless process for this landmark property acquisition.”

Alastair Moss, Real Estate partner at Hill Dickinson, said: “This deal is of huge importance for the region and is emblematic of the growth journey the city of Leeds has experienced. It was a pleasure to work with Guy and his team, and to be part of an acquisition that marks a significant moment in the commercial property acquisitions market.”