Headoffice3 were commissioned by Illuminating Investments as principal contractor on the development of Chapel Place, formerly Alexandra House, Chapel Allerton in Leeds. The property was prominently located 2 miles north of Leeds City Centre on Well Lane, a short distance from the A61 Harrogate Road. The site was a purpose built 3 storey multi-let office building dating back to the late 1980s totalling just over 5,000 square foot including communal space.

Situated in the heart of Chapel Allerton, the area is served by an extensive range of local amenities including bars, restaurants, shops and leisure facilities. The area has recently experienced a surge in popularity and has quickly become a sought-after residential area, increasingly popular with dual-income professionals.  The development represented a fantastic opportunity to convert former office space into 8 high-end luxury apartments. Market research into the local area investigated potential target markets and resulted in the recommendation to target and satisfy the increasing demand for young working professionals working in Leeds City Centre via excellent public transport routes. The immediate surrounding area is dominated by high-density terraced housing so the opportunity of a residential property providing convenient parking for residents.

Headoffice3, experts in permitted development and office-to-resi conversions, were instructed as architect, designer, project manager and main contractor. Employed typically to provide a complete turnkey solution for busy and savvy investors, headoffice3 managed the project from start to finish. Full planning was granted for external alternations to the fenestrations and the addition of cladding. Permitted development was submitted and granted for the change of use from office to residential. The project was then completed within a 5-month timeframe ensuring speed to market and quick return on investment for the developer.

The concept design featured a number of challenges to convert the former office space into desirable ‘loft style’ living which would appeal to the target market which resulted in the creation of Juliette balconies and sloped ceilings in the penthouse apartments providing architectural interest and style.

The project is testament to headoffice3’s ability to read a market and understand the scope and potential of a development project and deliver it in line with the development strategy and client requirements which typically include time, quality specification and cost.