Green light for film and TV studios

Plans to transform an old printworks building into a “world class” TV and film studio have been given the go ahead.

Leeds City Council’s executive board approved the plans for Polestar Petty printworks, on Whitehall Road in the city centre.

Leader of the council, Coun Judith Blake, said that plans came forward as part of the “slimstream of Channel 4 signing up to Leeds.” She said feedback on the proposals, which were released last week, was very positive.

The council is working with other organisations on this venture to more than double the amount of usable TV and film space in the city; something that Coun Blake was highlighted to be delivered when the city was bidding for Channel 4. Plans support up to six new studios and is expected to bring wider economic benefits through jobs and further investment.

It is proposed that the council takes a head lease of the property from Caddick Group and that the council sub-lets the property to a national operator, Versa Studios. Versa owns or manages studios across the country via its All Studios company which includes the new Manchester Studios.

Versa will link up with existing Leeds studio operator Prime Studios, which will play an instrumental role in managing the studio complex.

The site is between the main Film and TV hub in the city on Kirkstall Road and the South Bank, which is already home to over 500 creative and digital businesses.

Johnny Caddick, of Caddick Group, said: “We are thrilled that the Executive Board have approved the plans for the new studios at Whitehall Road. This demonstrates the strength of partnership and support there is from all parties to ensure that we work together to make Leeds the UK’s best creative industries destination. This is part of a host of Caddick Group initiatives across the city, like our new SOYO neighbourhood which will help boost the established cultural offering at Quarry Hill, City One and the recently opened Emerald Headingley stadium.”