As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on an exciting year here at Wellington Place. From inspiring events and community projects to exciting new openings, there’s so much to celebrate.
Here’s a look back at the moments that defined our year.
Welcoming new faces
In 2024, we had the pleasure of welcoming a number of businesses to the Wellington Place community including Saffery and Global Banking School (GBS). EY, Arup, Hill Dickinson, and Lloyds Banking Group have also settled into their new home at 11 & 12 Wellington Place.
We’ve said hello to a new foodie spot, Pret A Manger, perfect for a quick coffee or a tasty bite to eat, and we’re looking forward to more food and drink outlets opening in 2025.
Opening Leeds’ newest museum
In May, we officially opened the doors to the eagerly anticipated Mini Museum. As one of the last remaining parts of the original Leeds Central Station, the mini museum celebrates Leeds’s rich industrial heritage with artefacts spanning the station’s past.
Following a £1.5 million restoration of the historic Victorian wagon lifting tower, we marked the opening in style with a live brass band and 175 free ice creams, a nod to the tower’s impressive 175-year history. The Mini Museum has since welcomed thousands of visitors from all over the world and continues to hold a very special place in our hearts.
Hosting amazing events throughout the year
Our calendar was packed with events that brought people together at Wellington Place, including our Summer Sessions series. This outdoor events programme included a stellar lineup of free events like outdoor morning yoga and big screen sports viewings, plus we enjoyed local food, drink and music at Fayre in the Square.
We hosted a heartwarming visit from Guide Dogs UK and their adorable canine companions and we rounded up the summer with our wonderful Pre-Pride meet up to celebrate and connect colleagues and families in the LGBTQ+ community.
Illuminating our neighbourhood with Light Night
This year’s Leeds Light Night at Wellington Place was a celestial spectacle! As part of the event’s 20th anniversary celebrations, Wellington Place was transformed into a cosmic playground with interactive installations like Halo, a musical light experience, and Celestial Sounds, a sculpture inspired by cosmic clouds and nebulas.
We also welcomed The Moon Palace, a former school bus turned stargazing hub, celebrating Leeds-born engineer John Smeaton, while visitors danced the night away to the silent disco. It was a magical event that truly lit up our city.
Celebrating five years with Ahead Partnership
2024 also marked five fantastic years of collaboration with Ahead Partnership, a milestone we celebrated with the fifth annual Enrichment Festival, a dynamic event created to inspire local students and equip them with valuable personal and essential life skills.
Over the years, we’ve worked to inspire and empower more than 900 young people from 19 local schools. This wouldn’t have been possible without over 200 volunteers from the Wellington Place business community who have generously donated their time and expertise.
Picking up the silverware
Wellington Place has received several prestigious awards in 2024, recognising achievements in building excellence, community and sustainability initiatives.
These include the ESG New-Build Project of the Year (Large) at Property Week’s ESG Edge Awards for 11 & 12 Wellington Place, Business Engagement Project of the Year at the Modeshift National Sustainable Travel Awards for our partnership with the travel team at Stantec and Leeds City Council, and Refurbishment/Renovation of the Year at the Yorkshire Business Insider Property Awards for the Wagon Lifting Hoist Mini Museum. Congratulations to all involved!
Supporting the local community
We love to give back at Wellington Place, and 2024 was no exception. This year, we created some great new initiatives that brought people together and made a real difference, like our Artist’s Window Series. This gave Leeds Arts University students a unique platform to showcase their talents while also turning Wellington Place into a gallery of creativity.
During the Leeds Digital Festival, we teamed up with 100% Digital Leeds to host a Digital Volunteering Matchmaking Event, while this Christmas sees us support the Yorkshire Children’s Charity to ensure as many children and young people as possible wake up with gifts to open on Christmas morning.
What’s on the horizon
And there’s plenty more to look forward to in 2025. Our first fitted and furnished office space is now available for let, and our plans to refurb the flagship 2 Wellington Place building have been announced.
What’s more, the plans for 14 Wellington Place are being prepared. Once complete, this state-of-the-art building will meet the highest standards of energy efficiency, offering over 200,000 sq ft of sustainable Grade A office space in Leeds.
From all of us at Wellington Place, thank you for being part of such an unforgettable year. Whether you’re an occupier, visitor, or part of the local community, your involvement has made 2024 truly special. Wishing you a merry Christmas, a happy New Year and a wonderful start to 2025. See you soon!
