The TV and film industry in Leeds is set for major growth with the introduction of a new 100,000 sq ft media complex.

This project will see the site of an old printworks in central Leeds transformed into a brand new media area spread over six units, more than doubling the city's amount of usable TV and film space.

Caddick Group acquired the Polestar Petty printworks in 2017 and is currently undergoing refurbishment to create the space.

Under plans to be debated by Leeds City Council's executive board, the council will take a head lease of the property from Caddick Group and sub-let the property to Versa (Whitehall Road) limited. It is the intention of Versa to enter arrangements whereby existing Leeds studio operator (Prime Studios) will operate and manage the studio.


Caddick has already secured Opera North as a tenant in a separate 9,000 sq ft former warehouse on the Polestar site, which sits just 30m away from where the new studio space will be. Opera North will use the space for storage and rehearsals.

This development will follow on from the new C4 headquarters which opened in the city, just 15 minutes from the Polestar site.

Johnny Caddick, director at Caddick Group, said: "From cities across the globe we can see how the creative industries are helping drive growth and so Caddick Group is thrilled to be working closely with Leeds city council to transform what was a derelict site into a new media hub that will help support Channel 4's relocation to the city."

The Yorkshire construction firm is also currently working on a £300m mixed-use SOYO neighbourhood, adjacent to Leeds Playhouse.

(CM/MH)