An exciting new managed workspace concept that promises to redefine the way we view work has opened it's doors on Leeds Dock.
Department is situated in the former waterside casino building on Leeds Dock.
The plot has undergone an incredible transformation into a community for modern businesses that are after more flexibility, amenity and experiences from their working environment.
The workspace is now open to Leeds’ most exciting creative, media, tech and digital businesses who are looking to redefine the way they work.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The four-floor complex offers businesses of up to 200 people a fulfilling working environment where companies can thrive both in and out of work.
Department boasts a wide range of brilliant features including hot desks, resident desks, private studios, premium suites, as well as bespoke meeting rooms, breakout areas, content studios, a podcasting suite and space to host events for business and leisure.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
And it's not all just about work, on the ground floor you will find Department Store - an experiential social space with a bar, kitchen and lifestyle pop-ups which is open to both members and the public.
Members will also have access to state-of-the-art fitness centre, Condition, who will be offering personal training sessions, modern studios and multi-disciplined classes to suit every individual.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Members will have the opportunity to gain so much more out of their working day by not only socialising with other creatives in the community but also by practicing their physical and mental wellbeing.
Anthony Powell, managing director at Department, commented: “The way we work has changed considerably over recent years and that means our workspaces should too. Life is too short to be unfulfilled by what we spend the majority of our waking hours doing. So, we have created a destination for people to feel enjoyment from their place of work and where businesses can thrive.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
“We bring human nature to business and with that an understanding of how modern businesses and their teams work. Leeds is home to many exciting businesses in the creative, media and tech industries, and we want to welcome them to Department Leeds Dock... Our hospitality-led approach is at the heart of our workspace experience, with exceptional service, dedicated Community teams and member events to connect and inspire.”
If you would like to find out more about Department then pop along to their launch event on Thursday 16 February for complimentary hot desking, creative workshops and the opportunity to meet the team and tour around the available workspaces. Reserve your spot here.
Leeds City Council has confirmed that work to stabilise buildings on Lower Kirkgate is set to begin later this month, with repairs expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
Back in 2024, Lower Kirkgate in Leeds city centre was closed following the partial collapse of a building, leaving one of the city's oldest streets inaccessible.
Since then, the street has remained closed while plans were developed to address the structural issues affecting the buildings.
Now, almost two years after the initial incident, the council has confirmed that a contractor has been appointed to carry out the work.
The buildings are privately owned, but Leeds City Council says it will step in to carry out the stabilisation work to prevent further deterioration and protect the historic properties.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “We are pleased that, following months of careful planning and preparation, we are now in a position to begin stabilising these privately owned buildings.
“A contract has been awarded for the work, which is scheduled to get under way later this month and is expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
“It should be stressed that the situation on Lower Kirkgate is not of the council's making, with the owners of the buildings allowing their condition to deteriorate over many years and then failing to take the necessary steps to address the resultant structural issues.
“By stepping in and carrying out this work itself, the council will be able to arrest the deterioration of important heritage assets on one of Leeds’s oldest streets. As always, we thank the local community for their continued patience and support.”
Further details about the work, including when the street may be able to reopen, have not yet been confirmed.
End of an era as Harvey Nichols is leaving Leeds after 30 years on Briggate
Clementine Hall
It's time to say goodbye to one of Leeds' most recognisable shops.
One of Leeds’ most iconic shops is set to undergo a major makeover - as Harvey Nichols is reportedly leaving Briggate after three decades.
The luxury department store has been a staple in the heart of Leeds since 1996, but its days under the famous Harvey Nichols name are coming to an end.
It has been reported that the store is set to become a Flannels, following the takeover of Harvey Nichols by Frasers Group earlier this year.
The brand was bought by Frasers Group after the luxury retailer entered administration in August.
At the time, Frasers said the business had faced “sustained trading and operational challenges” and that significant restructuring would be needed.
Now, Frasers boss Michael Murray has confirmed that Leeds and Bristol are the two stores set to lose the Harvey Nichols name and become Flannels.
Murray has said the group plans to invest in its Manchester store, while the future of the Knightsbridge flagship in London is also being considered.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
For Leeds, though, it means saying goodbye to a name that has been part of the city for almost 30 years.
And with another Flannels already sitting just a stone’s throw away, there are plenty of questions about what the change will mean for the city's already luxury-heavy retail offering.
Whether you've dined in the beautiful Fourth Floor Brasserie restaurant or enjoyed browsing the beauty hall over the years, we all have our own memories of Harvey Nichols and there's no doubt it will be missed.
For now, there’s no confirmed date for exactly when the Harvey Nichols name will leave Leeds but we will keep you updated.
Clementine Hall -
13th February 2023 
