Arts organisation snaps up building set to become new tech hub

A Leeds-based arts organisation has purchased a building which is set to be transformed into a new technology hub for Leeds and the city region.

East Street Arts secured £550,000 of investment from the Leeds Tech Hub Fund from Leeds City Council of for the purchase Convention House in Mabgate. The money secured will also pay for substantial redevelopment of the property.

The building was home to business advisors and chartered accountants, Winburn Glass Norfolk (WGN) for 37 years and is located on St Mary’s Street next door to the charity’s headquarters, Patrick Studios.  WGN will move into Leeds city centre, at 4 Park Place.

The tech hub will include a mixture of studios, labs, co-production workspace, tech facilities and residency spaces. In collaboration with artist collective Invisible Flock, a long-term programme, Beeta, will be used to explore the relationships between business, engineering, environment, technology and art.

Jon Wakeman, East Street Arts’ artistic director, said: “It’s feels fantastic to have completed on the building next door to our home at Patrick Studios. Work can now begin to transform the space into a digital hub, which will interrogate the use of new and traditional technologies, addressing a lack of provision in the Leeds and the wider city region.

“We’re now in our 25th year here at East Street and much has changed since we started out, especially in the digital sphere. One thing which remains unchanged is our dedication to supporting artists at all levels, and we’re grateful to have received the grant from Leeds Tech Hub Fund which will allow us continue our work with this new venture.”

The charity has past experience of major refurbishments, having established Patrick Studios 14 years ago, and undertaken a smaller capital project at the main office within the last two years.

Councillor James Lewis said: “The completion of the purchase of Convention House by East Street Arts is excellent news, and a further positive step towards finalising the Leeds Tech Hub portfolio alongside Platform, ODI, Duke Studios and GameMakers.

“The studios, co-working space, labs and digital facilities together with bespoke programmes and projects will provide a unique, vibrant and creative enterprise space that Leeds greatly needs.  The partnership between Invisible Flock and East Street Arts will undoubtedly be successful in the exploration between art and technology and all together this will be a very welcome and exciting addition to the Leeds tech sector.”

Colin Glass, a founding partners of WGN, added:“In recent years, our business model has changed and while we are still involved in accounts preparation and associated taxation work, we now provide a holistic and comprehensive business advisory service.

“This is the end of an era but also the beginning of a new one for both us and East Street Arts.”