Old printworks building in Leeds restored for major studio space

Caddick Group has completed work on an old six-acre printworks in central Leeds.

The new creative complex is said to be 15 minutes from the Majestic - where Channel 4 will be opening its new headquarters.

Acquired by Caddick Group in October 2017, the site will now host 110,000 sq ft of studio space after an extensive refurbishment, including the demolition of the Petty House office building and removal of abandoned plant machinery and asbestos.

New landscaping and access points have been provided, along with charging points for electric vehicles. Local contractor CBM Construction carried out the refurbishment.

The history of the former printworks spans almost 150 years, starting in 1865 when Petty & Sons family printing company first opened its doors.

Caddick has already secured Opera North as a tenant for a 9,000 sq ft unit in the six-acre site which it is using for storage and rehearsals.

The remaining space will be occupied by studio operator Leeds Studios, who are subletting the property from Leeds City Council after a landmark deal with Caddick Group that saw the local authority take the head lease.

Leeds Studios will now undertake internal fitouts of the six units they occupy, with the facility due to open in May 2020.

Johnny Caddick, director at Caddick Group, added: “There is huge demand for studio space across the UK and in Leeds particularly thanks to the arrival of Channel 4.

“The broadcaster’s move will prove a massive boost to the city’s economy and Caddick Group is proud to be part of that growth story by transforming a derelict site into a world-class film and TV complex.”