Switched-on move for booming music and creative media scene

The vibrant Leeds contemporary music and creative media scene has received a tremendous boost with the news that higher education provider AD Education UK is moving into the iconic Electric Press building in the city centre.

ADE UK is opening its 17,000 sq ft Leeds Campus at Switch, the dynamic new office space within the Electric Press.

AD Education UK combines creative media group SAE and ICMP, the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, delivering exceptional music and creative media education in the UK and beyond.

The deal, which sees the group taking a 15-year-lease at £32 per sq ft, was brokered by the Leeds office of global property consultancy Knight Frank.

Switch is now the home of creative media and music education in Leeds.
Eamon Fox, partner and head of development at Knight Frank, commented: “Leeds has long had a reputation as one of the UK’s most innovative cities and a vibrant hub of northern creativity. On top of being renowned for its vibrant music scene, the city’s tech sector is growing at a rate more than double the national average, meaning areas such as gaming, film, animation and digital marketing – all of which are closely affiliated with the music industry – are booming.

“Switch is the perfect base for the institute, its contemporary design matching the institute’s cutting-edge culture and ethos. Our experience of living through the pandemic has turned aspirational goals for an amenity-led workplace to be accelerated. Switch’s compelling design demonstrates the subsequent evolution and refinement of workspace requirements and a greater willingness to put employees first. It is a tremendous example of a progressive and transformative workspace in Leeds.

“Part of the Civic Quarter’s iconic Electric Press building, ADE UK’s Leeds Campus is a symbol of the city’s continuous reinvention and dedication to creativity. Blending historic charm with modern facilities, the industrial building has been repurposed as a creative and cultural hub and is shared by many artistic organisations.

“More generally, this letting is another excellent example of the influential role that educational establishments are now playing in Leeds city centre. Over the past two years, Leeds Trinity University has opened a new campus at Trevelyan Square in Boar Lane and the Mathematics School of Excellence has moved into bespoke space in Albion Street. This adds to the vibrancy of the city and to increased graduate retention.”

Steffan Davies, chief executive of AD Education UK, which includes SAE Institute and ICMP, said: "We are excited to be expanding and solidifying our presence in the North of England and can't wait to welcome eager artists and creatives to our open day, giving them a feel for our values and offering as a higher education provider."

"Many of our graduates have gone on to become household names including Fraser T Smith, Clean Bandit and The Vaccines. Our alumni have also made their mark behind the scenes, designing cutting-edge tech for the Rolling Stones and shaping industries by winning Oscars and receiving BAFTA nominations in film, TV, Content Creation and gaming. This new chapter in Leeds gives us an exciting opportunity to develop the next generation of talent in one of the UK's most vibrant cities. We can't wait to see this come to life and welcome our first cohort of students this year.

“In future SAE and ICMP will share some places and spaces to benefit all of our students. This move, beginning with two state-of-the-art locations in Leeds and Liverpool will allow SAE and ICMP staff and students to share facilities, collaborate on multi-disciplinary creative projects, build close ties with (local and national) industry and provide the best possible start to careers in music and creative media.

“Jam-packed with brand-new music equipment and creative media software, The Electric Press is the perfect place to network and connect with Leeds’ many creatives.

“By studying music and creative media in Leeds, you’re entering an environment that celebrates live music and creativity and allows you to immerse yourself in a flourishing community of students, artists and innovators – from busking and indie gigs to club nights and major festivals.

“Leeds’ rich musical history and ongoing commitment to nurturing new talent provides an empowering backdrop for your UK music school studies. The city is a melting pot for the arts, recognised as one of Great Britain’s top digital hubs and teaming with creatives working in fashion, design, advertising and entrepreneurship. In a place like this, you’ll be surrounded by innovation and inspiration at every turn.”

Celebrated for its eclectic music scene, Leeds is home to a host of legendary artists and bands who have long shaped the sound of the UK. From the iconic Kaiser Chiefs to the genre-defying alt-J, synth-pop duo Soft Cell, superstar Spice Girl Mel B, and pop-punk tub-thumpers Chumbawamba, Leeds has spent decades as a hothouse for groundbreaking music.

The city’s live music scene is equally impressive, with popular venues like O2 Academy Leeds, The Wardrobe, Brudenell Social Club, Belgrave Music Hall and The Key Club offering platforms for established acts and emerging talent alike. These sites are more than just places to perform – they’re the heartbeat of Leeds’ music community, where passionate artists and fans come together to support new music.

The stunning Electric Press building is Grade II-listed and was built in 1840 for the printing firm of Chorley and Pickersgill. Located in the centre of the city, the building is a short jaunt to Leeds Station and within walking distance of some of Leeds’ most iconic cultural landmarks, such as Leeds Art Gallery and the Leeds Grand Theatre.

Knight Frank advised DTZ Investors while the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) was advised by Newmark.