The former Alf Cooke Printing Works is a true titan of Leeds’ industrial heritage.

Designed in 1894 by the esteemed architect Thomas Ambler, this magnificent complex was once one of the largest and most impressive printing halls in the world. When the presses fell silent, we saw a profound opportunity to give this landmark a new purpose. In partnership with Leeds City College, we embarked on a shared vision: to transform this cathedral of industry into a vibrant, modern campus for vocational learning.

The project was an ambitious undertaking to convert a vast industrial complex into a state-of-the-art educational facility.

A New Campus for Leeds: We have refurbished and converted the historic buildings to create a 7,000m2 vocational student campus, breathing new life and energy into this prominent site.

Restoring an Architectural Gem: Our first phase focused on the painstaking restoration of the building’s impressive external brick and terracotta elevations and roofs, honouring Thomas Ambler’s celebrated design.

Preserving Historic Integrity: To respect the character of the original listed structures, we undertook the careful demolition of later, single-storey additions that had been made to the complex over the years.

Today, The Printworks stands reborn, a place where the city’s next generation can shape their futures.

This project represents our commitment to imaginative regeneration, transforming a significant piece of Leeds’ past into a vital asset for its future. By preserving its incredible heritage and giving it a new purpose, we have ensured this landmark will continue to inspire for generations to come.