Long-term lease builds on city’s reputation as a hub for creativity

The Leeds contemporary music and creative media scene has received a boost, with higher education provider AD Education UK moving into the Electric Press building in the city centre.

ADE UK is opening its 17,000 sq ft Leeds Campus at Switch, the new office space within the Electric Press.

AD Education UK combines creative media group SAE and ICMP, the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, delivering music and creative media education in the UK and beyond.

The deal, which sees the group taking a 15-year-lease, was brokered by the Leeds office of global property consultancy Knight Frank.

Eamon Fox, partner and head of development at Knight Frank, said: “Leeds has long had a reputation as one of the UK’s most innovative cities and a vibrant hub of northern creativity.

“On top of being renowned for its vibrant music scene, the city’s tech sector is growing at a rate more than double the national average, meaning areas such as gaming, film, animation and digital marketing – all of which are closely affiliated with the music industry – are booming.

“Switch is the perfect base for the institute, its contemporary design matching the institute’s cutting-edge culture and ethos.

“Our experience of living through the pandemic has turned aspirational goals for an amenity-led workplace to be accelerated.

“Switch’s compelling design demonstrates the subsequent evolution and refinement of workspace requirements and a greater willingness to put employees first.”

Steffan Davies, chief executive of AD Education UK, which includes SAE Institute and ICMP, said: “We are excited to be expanding and solidifying our presence in the North of England and can’t wait to welcome eager artists and creatives to our open day, giving them a feel for our values and offering as a higher education provider.

“This new chapter in Leeds gives us an exciting opportunity to develop the next generation of talent in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities. We can’t wait to see this come to life and welcome our first cohort of students this year.”

“In future SAE and ICMP will share some places and spaces to benefit all of our students.

“This move, beginning with two state-of-the-art locations in Leeds and Liverpool will allow SAE and ICMP staff and students to share facilities, collaborate on multi-disciplinary creative projects, build close ties with (local and national) industry and provide the best possible start to careers in music and creative media.”

The Electric Press building is Grade II-listed and was built in 1840 for the printing firm of Chorley and Pickersgill. 

Knight Frank advised DTZ Investors while the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) was advised by Newmark.