AIB has provided long-term investment financing for a new office building in Leeds City Centre, recently completed by developers MRP in collaboration with their design and build partner, McAleer & Rushe.

Upon the completion of City Square House, AIB financed the 140,000 sq ft building, which features 12 storeys of Grade A office accommodation and terraces on three levels. This project is the latest in a series of property investments that MRP and AIB have partnered on across the UK, including the iconic Ewart Building in Belfast City Centre, all focused on delivering high-specification and sustainable buildings.

From latest technology, inspirational design and strong sustainable credentials, this flagship development meets the ambitions for modern businesses. The building was developed with environmental performance in mind and has an 'Excellent' BREEAM accreditation for its sustainable credentials.

Fully electric-powered, it features a smart management system to regulate and purge airflow, as well as extensive facilities for cycling, electric vehicle and e-bike charging to accommodate modern travel and work preferences.

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Ita Gillis, Finance Director at MRP Investment & Development said: "We are proud to have delivered a best-in-class prime office development, unrivalled in its location and with sustainability and wellbeing at the heart of its design. There’s no doubt that City Square House is a magnificent addition to the built environment in Leeds city centre and a symbol of the city’s thriving economy, just as The Ewart was in Belfast. Everything from how this building is lit and powered, to its hi-tech fitout, meets the ambitions of future-focused businesses. With only 2 floors remaining on ground and second, there is strong interest from two high profile tenants and we are confident of achieving full occupation by the end of the year."

More than 117,000 sq ft of space in City Square House has already been let, with tenants including professional services consultancy Barnett Waddingham, global law firm DLA Piper and leading global specialty insurer, Markel.

Paddy McGuigan, UK Manager, Commercial Real Estate at AIB said: "It’s a privilege to have been the banking partner to our long-standing client MRP as they continue to showcase the benefits of sustainable, high spec commercial spaces for cities. AIB has supported MRP on a local and national level, and it’s great to see the organisation drive best-practice in sustainable built environment through show stopping developments like City Square House."

Sustainability is central to the AIB Group strategy, aiming to protect people, prosperity, and the planet from the devastating impacts of climate change. The group is committed to reducing its own carbon footprint and supporting its customers in doing the same.

AIB's purpose is empowering people to build a sustainable future, with an ambition that 70 per cent of new lending will be green or transition lending by 2030. It is progressing that goal through the deployment of the €30 billion Climate Action Fund and through its new Climate Capital segment, which will focus on established renewable technology in North America, the UK and Europe.