Leeds City Council has announced plans to sell off Aire Street Workshops, a former factory turned hub for independent businesses, in a bid to save money. The move has left about 30 small businesses based in the building scrambling to find alternative premises by January 31, 2025.
One tenant, Joe Singleton, co-owner of Take It Easy Labs, expressed his disappointment, calling the planned sale a “slap in the face” for young business owners. Singleton highlighted the impact of the move on creative businesses that were instrumental in spreading the Leeds City of Culture message.
The council defended its decision, citing the need to review all areas of work to deliver savings amid budget constraints. While the property is earmarked for future disposal, the council assured that it would continue to support the licensees during the transition period.
Aire Street Workshops, established in 1981 with funding from the Department of the Environment and Leeds City Council, has been a vital space for small enterprises, offering affordable office and manufacturing units. The workshops currently house 31 businesses, employing over 150 people, with a significant portion under the age of 25.
As the businesses face an uncertain future, stakeholders are urged to come together to navigate the challenges ahead. The impending sale of Aire Street Workshops marks a significant shift for the local business community, raising concerns about the impact on young entrepreneurs and the creative sector in Leeds.
