Leeds City Council is hoping to bring a building which played a major role in the industrial revolution back to use for the region’s growing TV and film sector.
Leeds City Council is seeking expressions of interest from film and television post-production companies to take a lease on the grade two listed property, before planning to work with the successful organisation to bring the property back into use.
The Engine House, located in the South Bank of Leeds was formally used as a power source for Tower Works, the building responsible for developing the wool combing machines.
The historic building contains a number of interconnecting rooms with the actual Engine House, Economiser Room and Boiler House, all making up space for new facilities.
Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to bring such a historically important building in Leeds back into use and provide this new opportunity to the TV and film sector.
“With this ever-growing sector and with Channel 4 coming to the city later this year, we are keen to support and work with companies to open up opportunities to help businesses work and expand within the city with the right spaces.”
The South Bank is already home to over 500 creative and digital businesses. The Engine House project will be within close proximity to the new Channel 4 headquarters at the Majestic.
The Engine House is part of the ambitious development plans surrounding the South Bank, which include doubling the size of the city centre and bringing thousands of new homes and jobs to Leeds.
Sally Joynson, Chief Executive at Screen Yorkshire, said: “The independent production sector in Yorkshire has never been healthier following ten years of unprecedented growth. We are thrilled that Leeds City Council has recognised the important contribution that enhanced post-production facilities can make to the continued development of the sector.’’
The Council will soon commit significant funding, which has already been secured externally, to refurbish the internal and external fabric of the building, along with developing services such as power, data, water, drainage, heating and ventilation and then will work with the successful applicant to develop the rest of the building.
