News
Leeds Office moves to larger premises amid continued growth
22 Apr 2025Lichfields has relocated its Leeds office to a new, larger space in the heart of the city centre as the team continues to expand and diversify.
The new office provides room for further growth and improved collaborative space. The move marks a significant milestone for the Leeds team, which has grown from just three people when it was established in 2011 to what is soon to be a 20-strong team.
We’re proud of how far the Leeds office has come since we opened our doors with just three members of staff. The move to larger premises reflects not only our growth in headcount and the expanding range of specialisms and sectors we support, but also the strong and lasting relationships we have built with our clients. The new space puts us right at the centre of the action, close to many of our clients, partners and key transport links and offers the right environment to take the next step in our development.
Chris Darley, Head of Leeds Office
Leeds plays a central role in Lichfields’ national network, acting as a hub for planning work across Yorkshire, the Humber and North Midlands. The team is currently supporting clients including a range of national housebuilders, land promoters, developers, infrastructure providers and major retailers such as Lidl and McDonalds, responding to new development opportunities across the region.
High-profile projects include ongoing planning support for Dyecoats on Kirkstall Road, one of Leeds’ largest brownfield regeneration sites, which will deliver over 1,600 new homes, commercial space and a new riverside park. Other recent work includes securing consent to repurpose the Grade II* listed former Bank of England building in Leeds into 11,000 sq.m of modern office space acting for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust on the redevelopment of the Leeds General Infirmary which, along with other initiatives in the area, will form part of Leeds’ transformational world-class health tech innovation hub.
The team is also leading the planning work on a Development Consent Order for a major hydrogen gas storage facility at Aldbrough in East Yorkshire - one of the largest of its kind globally, supporting the UK’s decarbonisation and net zero ambitions.
The move follows the recent promotion of Emma Gomersal and James Cox to Planning Directors, highlighting the consultancy’s commitment to developing talent and growing its capabilities from within. James and Emma bring extensive expertise across sectors including strategic land, residential, retail, tourism and infrastructure. Their progression is part of a wider growth strategy to meet increasing demand from clients across Yorkshire.
We’ve built a fantastic team in Leeds and our success is down to the people we’ve brought on board and developed over time. As we look ahead, the new office gives us the space and setting we need to continue that journey - growing sustainably, delivering for clients and supporting the region’s development priorities.
Chris Darley, Head of Leeds Office