Good news as media space nears completion
WORK to create space for the region’s blossoming digital and new media industries at an historic former mill complex is nearing completion – giving a fillip to Yorkshire’s property sector.
Scaffolding is being removed from the exterior of Tower Works in Leeds as 18,000 sq ft of commercial space is created at the site.
The project, which has seen £6.7m invested by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, has seen a phase of demolition work carried out at the industrial heritage landmark, while the complex’s three existing chimney towers, which are listed, are being stabilised.
The redevelopment – one of the few projects to be started and continued through the economic downturn – will create office accommodation to complement the Round Foundry Media Centre – the headquarters of TheBusinessDesk.com – at Holbeck Urban Village.
The present phase of work at Tower Works – which is expected to be completed by November – involves the stabilisation of one of the three chimneys and restoration and conversion of two listed buildings with new build elements, which will eventually provide serviced office accommodation and community space.
The external work is nearing completion and will be ready for occupancy by the end of the year.
The complex comprises the three Italianate chimneys built around a former steel pin factory dating from 1864, which was owned by Colonel Thomas Harding.
The 2.83 acre site was acquired by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward in 2005 but it will shortly pass into the control of the Homes & Communications Agency.
A Yorkshire Forward spokesperson said: “Tower Works sits in the Holbeck area of Leeds, which has become a key centre for creative and digital industries within the region.
“Due to the economic difficulties in the development market over the past three years, Yorkshire Forward has stepped in to directly undertake the first phase of development, in order to kick-start the development and in so doing prevent deterioration of the listed buildings.
“To date, listed building issues have been addressed and works to preserve and stabilise the listed building known as ‘the entrance range’ have been largely completed to provide shell office space.
“This now provides a platform to fit out the shell as offices and workspace for use as grow on space for Yorkshire Forward’s highly successful Round Foundry Media Centre, situated nearby.”
Future phases at the site, which are planned to be delivered by a private developer, will include shops, bars and cafes at ground level and offices and residential apartments above. The total office space generated by the whole development is expected to be more than 110,000 sq ft.
The scheme will include 150 residential units and approximately 8,000 sq ft of retail or leisure space.
