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Leeds Studios will open its doors to TV, film, and commercial productions in early 2020, it has been announced, as the former printworks on Whitehall Road are converted into five sound stages, capable of hosting large productions.
The former Polestar Petty printworks conversion is in response to Channel 4’s relocation to Leeds city centre, and Sky’s planned move to the city, as well as the National Film and Television School planning a base in the city.
According to The Yorkshire Post, Leeds Studios will offer 68,000 square foot of premium sound stages, over 60,000 square foot of flexible production office and service space, including prop stores, workshops, makeup and costume facilities.
The £7.5m building and refurbishment is set to begin early in the new year, with Stages 4 and 5 being able to be combined to offer a single 30,000 square foot space.
Last month, Leeds Council signed a contract to lease the site from Yorkshire-based property developer and manager Caddick Group and then sub-let it to Versa Studios, owner of All Studios. The council also received approval to loan Versa £1.6m for external acoustics work.
The studios are located between an existing film and TV hub on Kirkstall Road and the South Bank, which is already home to over 500 creative and digital businesses. It is also 5 minutes away from Leeds city centre railway station, providing excellent links by rail and road to London, Manchester, and the north, and also Leeds-Bradford airport a 25 minute drive away.
It will be a joint venture between All Studios, operator of the Manchester Studios complex, formerly Granada/ITV studios, and Leeds-based Prime Studios. Ben Hepworth, managing director of Prime Studios described Leeds Studios as a “genuine city centre site”, and the new site will target high-end TV and feature film production.
‘’Leeds Studios will act as a gateway to Yorkshire’s wealth of unique and historic filming locations and will cement Leeds city region’s growing status as a leading international destination for film & TV production.’’ Hepworth said.
It will confirm the Leeds city region’s growing reputation as a leading international destination for film and TV production, offering itself as a gateway to the wealth of historic and unique filming locations across Yorkshire.
The design of Leeds Studios is being overseen by Jenkins Design Services, whose credits include ITV’s Emmerdale production facility in Leeds, the revamp of Manchester Studios, and the relocation of the Coronation Street lot to Salford.
All Studios is also looking for a site in London, which would allow the company to be able to offer world class studio facilities all across the UK.
Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said, “Not only is this development a real boost for the creative and TV sectors in Leeds, but the benefits will be seen for our local economy as we open new avenues for companies to come and work in the city whilst also bringing in new jobs.”
Whatever your refurbishment project, for all scaffolding needs in Leeds and across Yorkshire, get in touch with us today.
