Savills relocates to landmark building
Savills York has relocated its 48-strong team to River House on Museum Street after reaching an agreement with property company Rushbond to lease all the office space at the landmark building.
The move follows the merger of Savills and Smiths Gore in June 2015.
River House is a Grade II listed building, which was built in the 1860s as the home of The Yorkshire Club, but it was later home to Savills York when the team first formed in 1980.
The historic building overlooks the River Ouse and across Lendal Bridge to the City Walls.
Andrew Harle, director at Savills York, said: “Over the last two years we’ve witnessed remarkable growth across our business streams and we remain very optimistic about the future. Our move to this iconic building set in a prestigious location overlooking the River Ouse reflects that confidence and will provide a fitting and professional environment which will help facilitate our continued expansion.
“Since we merged, we have been operating across two offices in the city centre whilst looking for an appropriate opportunity to come together. This new location will allow our residential sales business to service clients across the city and north Yorkshire from a convenient central location whilst providing more square footage for our rural departments to work together effectively under one roof.”
Ben Pridden, head of residential at Savills York, adds: “We are delighted to return to our roots at River House where it all began 37 years ago. We look forward to continuing to work with our existing clients and applicants and we would welcome new clients to drop in when they are visiting the city to discuss their property needs with us.”
Leeds-based Rushbond acquired River House earlier this year, adding to its investment portfolio in York, alongside the company’s development activity which includes the restoration of St Leonard’s Place.
Pizza Express also occupies part of the building and Savills York has now completed a fit-out of the 7,000 sq ft space.
Mark Finch director of Rushbond says: “River House is the latest addition to Rushbond’s investment portfolio within the City of York. It is a standout, landmark building that is steeped in history, in an enviable riverside position, which befits a leading real estate brand like Savills.
“York continues to establish and build its reputation as one of the north of England’s leading commercial centres and this deal will further enhance this standing, by giving a global brand a prominent and sustainable presence in a magnificent city centre building.”
