Allied London invests in Leeds Dock’s technology credentials

THE digital and technology industries don’t just want a “white box in the centre of town” according to Leeds Dock estate director Tim Gee, as the development looks to put its weight behind its bid as a hub for TMT business.

Leeds Dock is the opposite of a white box.

Tenants already include Sky’s digital campus, EE’s digital app team, web developer Epiphany and incoming Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) companies will all take part in events for those in the digital, tech, creative and start-up industries.

Mr Gee said: “The technology industries are naturally drawn to less conventional work space, tend to have a certain character in leadership, they want a nice aesthetic and feel, don’t just want a white box in the centre of town.”

This has fed into Allied London’s plans to turn the area into a TMT (technology, media and telecommunications) hub, after a rocky history for the former Clarence Dock.

Mr Gee said: “It has not been without its challenges, we’ve always had strong demand because Leeds Dock is so unique.

“I have a great belief those industries will continue to grow here. The skilled workforce is here, costs are lower. After all, Sky did shore a whole department here.

“We think of opportunity when we think of Leeds, there is so much opportunity. Before, there was so much focus on London, but Leeds and Manchester are the centres of the remainder of the UK and there’s a real momentum behind that not. Leeds is a city going from strength to strength, not just in short term but decades to come.”

Already businesses are starting to come round to the idea, with Sky shoring a whole department in the area, as well as restaurants Mumtaz Leeds returning to the area.

Allied London is investing in pop-up bars, soon to become permanent, as well as experimental eatery The Testing Kitchen, some of the best internet connectivity in Leeds, and increasing investment going into infrastructure.

Now Leeds Dock will be home to a six-day programme of events for the Leeds Digital Festival, between 25-30 April.

Backed by Leeds City Council and TechNorth, it supports Leeds Dock’s claims to the TMT hub.

The City Talking will produce a film, ‘Digital in Leeds’, which will premiere during the Leeds Digital Festival at Leeds Dock on 25 April, and street food stands as well as award-winning festival Live at Leeds will also be featured as part of the lineup, including acts Jess Glynne, Band of Skulls and Clean Cut Kid, with The City Talking producing a film to be aired on 25.

Organiser Stuart Clarke, said: “It’s an engaging set of events that will bring together some of the best in creative discussion, encompassing inspirational lectures and enterprise events that support the best in tech, digital and media brains in the North. Leeds Dock is central to the city’s transformation into a technology powerhouse and Leeds Digital Festival is about giving people the opportunity to connect.”