The Granary, Leeds

Pitalia Real Estate has made its bow in Leeds following its acquisition of a mixed-use scheme in the heart of the city centre.

Pitalia has purchased The Granary, a Grade II listed, 20,000 sq ft office building, and the adjoining 5,000 sq ft The Boathouse pub from the Canal & River Trust.

It is set to commence with a major refurbishment and refit of The Granary, a former Leeds & Liverpool Canal Company warehouse originally built in 1776 and converted to offices in the mid-90s, to be overseen by development manager, Harlex Property.

Pitalia’s plans include a new entrance, reception area and atrium, a new sustainable heating and cooling system, open plan workspaces that leverage the historic buildings original features, and the option for future occupiers to create a mezzanine space on the top floor.

Once complete, Pitalia will target occupiers seeking a self-contained HQ building or a community of businesses looking for characterful workspace in a central, riverside location.

The Granary, which includes a car park with space for 40 vehicles, is located just a short walk from Leeds’ train station in the core of the city centre, and the Boathouse pub is fully let until 2032.

David Lathwood, CEO of Pitalia Real Estate, said: “Leeds has been on our hitlist since we set-up, so we’re really pleased to make our debut so soon and with such a unique and well-located asset.

“The city centre’s fundamentals have always been fantastic, and it has not taken long for the vibrancy of its cultural and commercial scenes to rebound post-lockdown.”

Lathwood added that the deal had been brought to Pitalia by the late David Topham of CTP, his friend and long-time collaborator.

“David worked on the last refurbishment of The Granary some 30 years ago and his confidence in the asset’s potential spoke volumes. He understood quality when he saw it and so there’s no greater endorsement in our eyes.”

Knight Frank acted for the Canal & River Trust with Firth Property representing Pitalia.