Unity Works secures first business tenant

UNITY Works, Wakefield’s new entertainment, leisure and work space development, has signed up its first business tenant with expectations to be fully let before it opens its doors later this year.

Statement, the design, digital and marketing agency, which is already based in Wakefield, will move into the property shortly after it opens.

Statement director Dan Conboy said: “Unity Works is the perfect home for Statement. It is more than just a property or an office – it is a community of like-minded people in the creative industries coming together under one roof in Wakefield.

“The state-of-the-art offices will provide a solid platform for Statement’s continued growth and the team at Unity Works has been so supportive from the beginning.”

Unity Works is aiming to create a vibrant entertainment, leisure and work space close to the refurbished train station and opposite the Theatre Royal.

The grade II listed building opposite the Theatre Royal has been used and loved by the community since it was established as the Wakefield Co-operative headquarters in 1867.

Unity House (Wakefield) was launched as a community benefit co-operative in 2011 to turn the building into a major music venue, conference centre and location for creative businesses. It has more than 200 member investors and has raised £4m to purchase the building and refurbish the property.

Unity Works managing director Mark Taylor said: “We are delighted to welcome Dan and his team from Statement to Unity Works. Since we launched, interest in Unity Works’ offices has been very encouraging and we expect to make further announcements on new leases shortly.

“Meanwhile, the refurbishment programme continues to schedule and when Unity Works formally opens, Wakefield will have access to one of the most vibrant entertainment, leisure and work space destinations in West Yorkshire.”

Unity Works will shortly announce a programme of musical events and artistic events as well as the opening of a new café and bar.

When fully refurbished, Unity Works will offer a 600-seater venue (700 standing) in the Major Hall and 100-seater function room in the Minor Hall – ideal for weddings and other functions.

As well as 10,000 sq ft of office space it will also provide 4,000 sq ft of meeting space together with a gallery on Westgate with a reception, exhibition and independent retail space.