Work and live in an urban village?

The last few years have seen the welcome renaissance of Holbeck, an area close to Leeds city centre which for the last few decades has offered little more than deserted warehouses and factories. Now live/work developments are attracting residents and small businesses back to a neighbourhood that in the 19th century was a thriving hub of industry.

Holbeck was then home to both the foundries that cast Stephenson’s steam engines and the spinning machines that produced woollen cloth. That revolution was driven by innovative industrial entrepreneurs such as John Marshall and Matthew Murray who made their mark with distinctive factory buildings modelled on Egyptian temples and chimneys inspired by medieval Italian towers.

By the late 20th century, residents, businesses and industry had moved on, leaving behind an industrial wasteland separated from Leeds by railway lines, canals and the river Aire. But since 2004 Holbeck has taken on a new lease of life, with live/work driving its economic regeneration.

One of the first developments to open was the Round Foundry, offering leisure, retail and business space alongside 70 new apartments, including some at affordable rents. One of the main focal points of the council-designated Holbeck 'Urban Village', the Round Foundry is now fully occupied and, along with the Round Foundry Media Centre, forms the vibrant hub of a rapidly expanding community. Many residents work from home while others rent premises literally on their doorstep.

The Foundry today hosts more than 60 businesses, employing over 200 people, and has rapidly become one of the most desirable business addresses in Leeds. The firms based here offer services spanning graphic and product design, marketing, television production, software production and interactive media.

Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency that commissioned the centre, has already benefited from the new businesses and jobs created. But this is an outcome that could not have been achieved without paying very close attention to the specific needs of the people who now live and work here.

So what lessons can we offer others planning a live/work community?

Know your market

The Round Foundry Media Centre (RFMC) opened in December 2004, at the same time as the first residents began to move in to the adjacent flats. The centre was planned to cater for the specific needs of the anticipated residents and businesses – in this case, digital, creative and media enterprises. They would need a first-rate IT infrastructure which could support all their needs – for example a virtual office service – alongside more traditional office accommodation such as meeting rooms.

Design

Design quality is critical in an era when people want to escape staid or bland corporate offices. So we offered exciting and innovative workspaces. The history of the location combined with the centre’s contemporary design proved a draw-card for clients, while employers and employees alike enjoy a great working environment. Some residents have opted to live and work in their apartments, which also benefit from strong design and each has a view of one of three beautifully designed internal courtyards.

Technology

For most knowledge-based businesses, a secure internet connection and services such as virtual private networks and voice over internet protocol [VoIP] telephone calls are crucial. All these, along with free wireless broadband (wi-fi), are provided at the Round Foundry.

Contacts

Small businesses often feel isolated and disconnected from other like-minded businesses. Being part of a business community – whether live/work, work only or live only – makes a huge difference to a growing business. Networking, seminars, social and business events all help to establish and foster beneficial business relationships.

Along with business interaction, it is important to give residents opportunities to meet their neighbours so friendships can develop. At Holbeck Urban Village public spaces have been created alongside cafés, bars, pubs and restaurants. To ensure a stimulating and inspirational environment, regular art exhibitions and cultural events are held for both residents and non-resident workers.

Management

And finally, a successful live/work environment does not happen by magic. It needs careful and sensitive management to facilitate the community and provide the quality of service its businesses need, be they home workers or using an office.

At the Round Foundry Media Centre we are always happy to show people around. If you happen to be in Leeds and want to see how other people live and work in an urban village, don't hesitate to drop by.

Toby Hyam, managing director, Creative Space Management

www.creativespaceman.com

Photos reproduced with the kind permission of Holbeck Urban Village

http://www.holbeckurbanvillage.co.uk

www.roundfoundry.net

www.igloo.uk.net