The office is busier than ever in Leeds thanks to recent development in the city centre.
Like thousands of other commuters around the country, Leeds workers are flocking back to the office in their masses this morning.
The influx of new opportunities within the hustle and bustle of the city centre is thought to have been made possible thanks to the likes of Channel 4, Platform and 34 Boar Lane all opening their doors over the past twelve months to new creative and tech talent.
Platform. / Image: Bruntwood SciTech
A spokesperson for Knight Frank, the UK's leading independent estate agents, stated this week that the knock on effect of bringing national TV giants Channel 4 to the city has allowed Leeds to become "a magnet for bright, young tech, media and creative companies".
This comes after a challenging year of turbulent orders from the government in a bid to tackle the coronavirus pandemic from spreading through places of work. 2021 was a year of messages to work from home, then back in the office, then from home again- yet it was office space that thrived in places like City Square.
According to the Office for National Statistics, 85% of workers would still like the opportunity to work from a physical office or co-working space for at least part of the week- even when 100% of all jobs can be completed from home.
Platform, next to Leeds Railway Station is home to Leeds' only dedicated Tech Hub, but like so many other spaces popping up around the city, they're offering the opportunity to collaborate in a thriving co-working space with some of the latest SciTech experts.
Platform. / Image: Bruntwood SciTech
Knight Frank predict a 5% increase in rental overhead costs this year, suggesting that 2022 is set to be another busy year of development in office space in the city. This would take £34 per sq ft prices to around £36 and thought to come as a result of "high standard of some of the new office space which coming on to the market".
Platform. / Image: Bruntwood SciTech
For others, the arrival of new spaces over the past year has been an opportunity to progress and climb the career ladder. Channel 4 in particular have brought a huge opportunity for media creatives and this is only set to increase into the new year with a wave of new positions available.
The organisation is currently searching to fill roles in everything from TV production to Design Assistants, HR Operation Leads and Social Analysts.
The Guardian previously reported that the move from London to Leeds was fuelled by a fight against privatisation and that the huge office space on City Square opened in September as a workspace for around 200 of their 900+ employees.
Whilst the majority of these roles state that Leeds is the job's location, those interested in the vacancies will need to check individually which roles will involve commuting to their huge headquarters in the city centre.
Popular coffee shop Joe & The Juice is opening a site in Leeds for the first time ever.
And to be honest, we're very very excited about it.
The Danish-based business is famed for its juices, shakes, and sandwiches, including its best-seller, the Tunacado.
With more than 300 juice bars and coffee shops around the world, Joe & The Juice’s pink branding has become a familiar site globally since its launch in 2002.
Images: The Manc Group
It's been open across the pond in Manchester for just over a year now, and we've been waiting with bated breath to see when they'd make the triumphant step to LS1.
And now the time has finally come, as Joe & The Juice will be opening in the old Franco Manca site on Trinity Street.
Franco Manca closed earlier this years after seven years in the cit centre, and many were sad to see it go.
We don't have an exact opening date just yet, but the iconic pink vinyls are up and the TikTok girlies are already getting very excited about the concept of finally trying a Tunacado.
For anyone who hasn't had the pleasure, the sandwich combines tuna mousse, avocado and pesto, served on Joe & The Juice's signature toasted bread.
It's become something of a social media sensation, so it must be good...right?
The brand has built a huge following thanks to its colourful drinks, pared-back interiors and distinctly recognisable pink branding, serving up everything from your morning matcha and coffee to a healthy juice or grab-and-go lunch.
And now Leeds is officially getting in on the action, and we absolutely can't wait.
We'll of course keep you updated with the opening date of Joe & The Juice Leeds as and when we know more.
Leeds station to undergo £303m transformation in biggest upgrade for a generation
Clementine Hall
Leeds train station set for biggest transformation in a generation as Government backs growth.
If you thought the work was over for Leeds station, think again.
Because passengers are set to see major improvements as the Government injects a further £200 million into the development of the transport hub.
The additional funding was announced at the Budget today, with upgrades set to be delivered by 2030 and will include the construction of a new central overbridge, three new entrances, more space on the concourses and a longer Platform 14.
Image: Supplied
It means passengers will benefit from more direct routes, less crowding, and nearly 40% more ticket barriers.
Three new entrances will strengthen links between the station and town, improving access to the South Bank, the Dark Arches and Princes Square.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Leeds station is the gateway to West Yorkshire, and this extra £200 million investment will turn it into a station this city can be proud of: modern, welcoming and built for the people who rely on it every single day.
"The great cities of the north deserve better transport, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering. We're paving the way for Northern Powerhouse Rail, forging stronger connections across the region, and backing the infrastructure that creates jobs, builds homes and puts passengers first as we work to set up Great British Railways."
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "Leeds Station is the beating heart of our region's transport network, connecting millions of people to jobs, education and opportunity every year – and it’s only going to get busier.
“This investment will benefit passengers and businesses, help to unlock the capacity we need for future growth and create a gateway to West Yorkshire that reflects our ambition.
“Together with our wider plans for West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network, we're building a better-connected region which works for all.”
Sophie Smith -
4th January 2022 
