College creative skills hub to expand at converted mill complex
Dean Clough, a 22-acre business and leisure destination in Halifax, has agreed a deal to let 12,835 sq ft of workspace on a new five-year lease to Calderdale College.
The college is expanding its digital creative skills hub at Dean Clough following a £700,000 Government funding boost.
The new skills hub, Mill Studios, will serve students aged 16 and older with high-tech facilities for studies in film and TV production, design and editing, e-sports and games design. The centre will also include collaborative space for events, exhibitions and engagement with employers.
Calderdale College already occupies 2,344 sq ft of space at Dean Clough for its Creative Arts Foundation and BA Degree courses.
Students benefit from engaging with practicing artists through the college’s partnership with Dean Clough Galleries and Arts Charity and have their work displayed in the renowned Crossley Gallery.
David Malone, principal and chief executive at Calderdale College, said: “Our students benefit tremendously from the vibrant and captivating community at Dean Clough, which is one of the most celebrated heritage and cultural sites here in Calderdale.
“The community at Dean Clough has really helped us to enhance our provision for students.
“Mill Studios will deliver a digital creative hub that will transform learning in this sector, and bring new courses to Calderdale along with cutting-edge facilities in the most engaging environment.”
Mill Studios, which is due to launch ahead of the next academic year as part of Calderdale’s Year of Culture 2024, has been funded by the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), which aims to tackle skill shortages by responding to employers’ needs and giving young people the skills to get good jobs and increase their prospects.
Jeremy Hall, chairman and managing director of Dean Clough, added: “We are thrilled that Calderdale College has chosen to expand its educational facilities here and excited to be involved with Calderdale’s progress as a cultural centre for creative production.
“Indeed, our region is fast becoming recognised as the ‘Hollywood of the North’ and Dean Clough has been host to many high-profile TV and film productions already.
“We truly believe that a vibrant and diverse amenity and cultural experience is so vitally important in creating the environment that people want to visit and work within.”
Dean Clough is already home to around 150 businesses employing over 3,000 people.
In the last 15 months alone new deals have been secured with occupiers on more than 110,000 sq ft of space, with a further 110,000 sq ft of work, office, and leisure space in discussion or under offer.
