A £1.8 million project is being implemented by Unity Enterprise, a not-for-profit subsidiary of the housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise, in collaboration with Leeds City Council.
The scheme has received partial funding from the European Regional Development Fund, which includes assistance for a professional advisor who will provide mentorship to young businesses, especially those operating in the creative, digital, and media sectors.
The construction phase commenced last autumn, and scaffolding was erected around the building located in Chapeltown to prepare for the installation of a new roof and windows.
Significant internal renovations have also been carried out to remodel the ground and lower ground floors, creating space for up to 12 new business units and a specially designed business hub equipped with modern virtual facilities.
The completion of the refurbishment program will be commemorated with a community gathering in September, followed by a separate event in the subsequent month that will focus on the new business hub.
Leeds Media Centre is owned by Leeds City Council and managed by Unity Enterprise under a long-term lease.
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise chief executive, said; “It is incredibly satisfying to see the building phase of this transformational project completed on time and on budget.
“Anticipation is already building around what the new facilities will achieve for enterprise in Chapeltown and beyond.
“As a housing association rooted in the local community, Unity is passionately committed to helping individuals improve their life prospects by setting up their own business, finding employment or accessing training and education.
“The brand new facilities at Leeds Media Centre will play a huge role in enabling us to achieve these goals.”
Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise manager, said; “We are grateful to our key partners, Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund, for working closely with us to get this innovative project across the line.
“Having been onsite almost every day since building work commenced, I feel greatly inspired by the potential that Leeds Media Centre now offers to aspiring entrepreneurs to develop themselves and their business ideas.
“I also want to thank our existing tenants who have been so supportive and patient over the past few months. Exciting times lie ahead.”
Cllr Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education at Leeds City Council, said; “It’s great to see the building phase complete on these fantastic new facilities at Leeds Media Centre.
“The centre will be an excellent resource for local, new and aspiring entrepreneurs in the city, and we are very much looking forward to seeing the building open for business.”
