Expanded Aire Park workspace strengthens Jacobs’ local presence in one of the U.K.’s fastest-growing cities

From a market town on the River Aire to an industrial powerhouse shaped by textile manufacturing, Leeds has grown by turning ambition into industry. Today, that growth story is playing out across West Yorkshire, home to the “Northern Square Mile” and named in the U.K. government’s Northern Growth Strategy as a focus for investment in financial, professional and business services.

That legacy is reflected in Leeds’ South Bank, where former industrial land has been transformed into Aire Park, a leading-edge, mixed-use city center district built around public space, nature-driven design and sustainable growth. 

Jacobs officially opened a 17,299-square-foot office in May on the third floor of 3 South Brook Street at Aire Park, a move that supports growth and aligns with Jacobs’ commitment to delivering world-class services to clients in Leeds and across the wider region. 

The official opening event was attended by Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, underscoring the regional significance of Jacobs’ continued investment. 

“Leeds is a key location and catalyst for Jacobs, and relocating to Aire Park places us at the center of one of the city’s most significant regeneration projects,” says Jacobs Executive Vice President Richard Sanderson. “The new workspace supports flexible working and collaboration, while offering the benefits of a city center location alongside high-quality public space. It’s a move that works for our people and for how we continue to serve clients across the U.K.” 

Leeds’ role in the U.K. economy makes the move timely. The city accounts for more than 40% of West Yorkshire’s economy and is the U.K.’s largest center for financial and professional services outside London. That scale, paired with major city center regeneration, makes Leeds a critical base for clients investing in the region’s future. The city center is the most productive part of Yorkshire, seeing $5.4 billion (£4 billion) in large-scale development projects over the past 10 years. 

Jacobs has worked with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and district clients to support the region’s mobility ambitions, including the West Yorkshire Mass Transit scheme and the Transpennine Route Upgrade. Jacobs has also contributed to local social value initiatives such as Big Build, with local team members taking part over several years. 

Aire Park brings Jacobs into a 24-acre regeneration district on the South Bank. The development is planned around an 8-acre public park and will include new workspaces with homes nearby, creating a business community within easy reach of the city center. Aire Park’s South Brook Street buildings also target high environmental and wellbeing credentials, including BREEAM Excellent. 

Jacobs had previously been based in City Walk in Holbeck since 2004. Before City Walk, heritage teams that are now part of Jacobs worked from Headingley, Wakefield and Thorpe Park, reflecting a long-standing association with West Yorkshire. 

Designed for the future of work, the new space supports flexible working and collaboration, with natural light and sustainability features for the nearly 400 employees based in Leeds. The office is within a short walk from Leeds Train Station, strengthening access for employees and clients. 

With more than 6,000 people across the U.K., Jacobs delivers for clients from 15 core offices and more than 35 additional sites. The new Leeds office strengthens one of those core locations, giving employees a modern base as the company continues to grow in this key region. Jacobs currently supports 30 graduates and 17 apprentices in Leeds and is developing future engineering and professional talent in the region. The new location is in the immediate vicinity of the Leeds College of Building and the Ruth Gorse Academy. The College has provided apprentices for the office and study opportunities for Jacobs employees.  

Jacobs’ new office places its team at the center of Leeds’ growth and closer to the clients shaping the region and the U.K.’s future.