University of Leeds' 'world-class' £40m Nexus centre appoints letting agent

Creative Space Management has been appointed as letting agents for Nexus, a ‘world-class’ innovation centre being developed by the University of Leeds.

Scheduled to open in autumn 2018, Nexus is offering over 40,000 sq ft of lab and office space for businesses who want to benefit from being connected to areas of University expertise and infrastructure.

Based on Discovery Way, a new city-facing entrance to the University campus from Woodhouse Lane, the ground floor of the 100,000 sq ft building will house a large events space alongside meeting, lounge and communal facilities.

Nexus will also house the University’s research and innovation team, offering on-hand support and expertise to enable the growth of technology-led businesses.

Dr Martin Stow, director of Nexus, said: “We’re here to make it easier for businesses and provide a ‘hardwired’ connection to the expertise at the University of Leeds for companies who want to access ideas, infrastructure and deliver commercial impact.

“We are delighted to have appointed Creative Space Management as sole letting agent for Nexus.

“With substantial experience of working with knowledge based businesses across innovation and high growth sectors, we look forward to working with them to attract companies who not only want to base themselves in our outstanding office and laboratory facilities but, more importantly, want to take advantage of an environment that will help drive innovation and business growth.”

Creative Space has previously let over 80,000 sq m of space across the north of England to firms working in niche high growth sectors.

Paul Taylor, director of Creative Space Management, commented: “Nexus is the focal point for world-class collaboration between innovation-led companies and the University of Leeds.

“With a flexible range of laboratory and office space available, Nexus has options for start-ups, early stage SMEs and corporates who want to establish a UK base or co-locate teams for specific projects.”

The £40m development received £3m of funding from West Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1bn package of government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.

Roger Marsh OBE, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), added: “Growing our innovation footprint is key to realising the huge economic potential of Leeds City Region and the facilities at Nexus will make a huge impact when they open later this year.

“These purpose-built facilities combined with access to world-class academic insight and laboratory space will complement the LEP’s own Access Innovation programme that provides funding and support for businesses who want to develop new products and processes.”

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