Council defends plan to sell Leeds base for small businesses

A former factory where about 30 small businesses are now based is to be put up for sale in a bid to save money, Leeds City Council has said.

Aire Street Workshops tenants have until 31 January 2025 to vacate the building - a move one called a "slap in the face" for young business owners.

Leeds City Council said while it "values" the businesses, the "delivery of savings" was a key focus.

The firm managing the lettings was told about the plan last year, it added.

In a statement, the authority said: "Given the council's budget position over the coming years, it is necessary for all areas of our work to be reviewed.

"The rationalisation of our estate has been a key focus to support the delivery of savings. As such, our entire estate is under review."

It added: "The council informed LCVS Enterprises of the position regarding the future of Aire Street Workshops in September 2023 and agreed to extend the lease until January 2025 to allow the businesses concerned time to find alternative premises.

"While the property is identified for future disposal, the council will continue to support the licensees and offer to meet with all stakeholders as this work progresses."

Last week, Joe Singleton, 36, co-owner of Take It Easy Labs, a start-up based at Aire Street Workshops, said of the planned sale: "It feels like a massive slap in the face, eliminating some of the creative businesses in this building that were used by the council to spread the Leeds City of Culture message."

Mr Singleton said if the business had to move from the 150-year-old building, his rent would "at least double, if not more" as Aire Street Workshops was set up to be an "easy, affordable space" for small enterprises.

According to council documents, Aire Street Workshops is an independent, not-for-profit company set up in 1981 with finance from the Department of the Environment and Leeds City Council to provide small low cost office and manufacturing units.

It comprises of 31 businesses and employs more than 150 people, with 60% of them being under the age of 25.

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