IMA Buys The Malthouse Leeds for £4m in South Bank

IMA purchases the freehold of The Malthouse on Leeds’ South Bank for £4 million, converting a six-year lease into permanent ownership as the global agency roots itself at Leeds Dock

Global creative agency IMA has purchased the freehold of The Malthouse on Leeds’ South Bank for £4 million, converting its lease into permanent ownership of the 24,376 sq ft refurbished 18th-century brewery building. The IMA Malthouse Leeds deal sees the agency acquire a building it has occupied since 2020 after relocating from Headingley where it operated for more than 30 years. IMA is headquartered in Leeds with offices in London, Amsterdam, Sydney, New York, and Manchester. The building was acquired from Leaseco 23 Limited via its administrators Interpath Limited. Avison Young advised IMA on the purchase, with Cushman and Wakefield acting for the seller. A spokesperson said Leeds Dock has become a real hub for creative and growing industries and that acquiring The Malthouse gives the agency flexibility to evolve the space alongside the business.

Why This Matters For Leeds

The Malthouse sits on the South Bank near Leeds Dock; the same regeneration zone where the Royal Armouries is investing £100 million and Leeds City College is building a new campus. IMA’s 300-plus staff working with clients including adidas, Jet2, Hisense, and Reebok from a Leeds headquarters demonstrates that global creative businesses can compete internationally without relocating to London.

Why IMA Bought Rather Than Leased

IMA previously leased The Malthouse and had been based there since 2020 following a £2.5 million refurbishment of the historic brewery building. The opportunity to purchase arose when the landlord, Leaseco 23, entered administration. Rather than seek alternative premises, IMA chose to acquire the freehold outright for £4 million, securing long-term control of a building that accommodates up to 350 people. The agency said the workspace plays a big role in shaping how it collaborates and supports clients, and that having the opportunity to make it their own is incredibly important. The Malthouse provides high-quality office accommodation with an excellent car parking ratio, situated close to Leeds Dock and a three-minute drive from Junction 4 of the M621.

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“Leeds Dock has become a real hub for creative and growing industries and it’s been an inspiring place for us to call home over the past few years. Acquiring The Malthouse gives us the flexibility to evolve the space alongside our business and create an environment that truly reflects who we are.”

— IMA Spokesperson

IMA’s Leeds Roots and Global Reach

IMA, formerly known as Intermarketing, was founded in Leeds and has been based in the city for more than 30 years. The agency provides creative services spanning advertising, media strategy, content marketing, retail activation, CGI, and campaign planning for a client roster that includes adidas, Jet2, Hisense, AG Barr, Reebok, Royal Canin, and Wren Kitchens. The IMA Malthouse Leeds acquisition adds to a pattern of businesses investing in permanent premises on the South Bank, alongside Kellstone at Aire Park, Greencore at Broad Gate, and DAC Beachcroft at 31 Wellington Street. For the South Bank, a 300-plus person creative agency owning its building reinforces the area’s transition from regeneration zone to established business district.