Leeds is becoming a creative and digital hub as a world class television and film studio is set to be opened in the city centre, bringing more jobs and investment to the Yorkshire city.
A large-scale studio complex, including six separate studio buildings, is coming to Leeds city centre. Leeds City Council approved the proposals to move forward at the end of July. The new film and television studio will be well-located between the main film and TV hub in the city centre. It will be situated on Whitehall Road in the old Polestar Petty print works, which is conveniently near South Bank, the new Channel 4 headquarters, and the railway station.
Additionally, the Engine House in Tower Works, which is located in the Holbeck Urban Village, is also being redeveloped for use in film and TV, further boosting the sector. These developments are expected to be a major benefit to the industry, while bringing new employment opportunities and investment to Leeds. This is also likely to bring more young professionals to the city, especially those interested in the creative and digital sector.
Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, commented: “This investment is a game-changing moment for the film and TV sector in Leeds. The sector has expanded significantly in recent years, so there is a real demand for more studio space to allow the industry to grow.
“The council is supporting this by bringing forward a number of new facilities such as the Engine House and the new studio.”
The creative and digital sector
Over the last couple of years, many businesses in the creative and digital sector have opened or moved to Leeds. Last year, Channel 4 announced that Leeds was picked for its new national headquarters location. The television network is planning to rent space in the Majestic, a historic building sitting opposite the train station. Leeds is also home to major operations for NHS Digital and Sky, while Leeds Dock in South Bank boasts more than 500 creative and digital businesses.
As Leeds becomes more and more of a creative and digital hub, a growing number of professionals in the sector are expected to be attracted to the Yorkshire city. This could bring additional growth and investment to Leeds, making it an exciting city for businesses, young professionals and investors.
