The former Polestar Petty Printwork site in Leeds is expected to open as a film and television studio next year.
It comes after contracts were signed, to enable the operator Versa, to begin work on the site.
“It is fantastic news that we have made such progress over the last couple of months to now be in a position where we are able to hand over to national operator Versa to start bringing the physical side of the studio to life,” said Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council.
“With Channel 4 recently landing the first of their staff in the city this month, it is a an extremely exciting time for both this sector and our city as a whole as these new additions bring wider economic benefits to the city through new jobs and further investment in this area.”
Earlier this year, the council approved a decision to lease the property from Caddick Group, which is currently refurbishing the building, and then sublet to Versa Studios, to turn it into 6 new studios, ranging from 8,000 to 22,000 sq feet.
Versa Studios is the Manchester-based group, headed up by Allied London’s Mike Ingall, which also operates the Bonded Warehouse, Church Fenton and Ealing Studios. It will operate under the same All Studios name, as the recently redeveloped Granada TV building.
“We are very much looking forward to launching Leeds Studios in 2020. Having close contacts within all sectors of the TV and Film industries , and in particular Sky and Channel 4 both having made significant investment in the city , our vision is the creation a very meaningful Media cluster around what will be known as Leeds Studios,” added Melanie Jones , Managing Director of All Studios.
“Leeds Studios will be specifically targeted at TV and Film drama making but we will also encourage a cluster of supporting infrastructure including post production companies . It is likely we will also develop a multi camera studio facility in the future to meet demand as it grows in Leeds for this type of space.”
The council has agreed to loan Versa £1.6m to complete external acoustics work.
“This is an exciting development for the city and the Caddick Group are proud to be a part of it. Creativity and culture are a major part of Leeds’ DNA and Channel 4 moving here demonstrates what we can offer to major industry players,” added Johnny Caddick, Director at Caddick Group.
