Allia Group to take over Harehills Road landmark
Operated since 2007 by the Shine organisation, the 40,000 sq ft former Leeds school will be used as co-working space for charities and social enterprises.
Allia Group’s parent charity Allia Foundation ha acquired the building, which was opened in 2007 following a £5m investment and became known as the Shine centre.
The building will be operated by and invested in by Allia Workspace, becoming the group’s first Yorkshire hub, the intention being to foster “an ecosystem that connects charities, social enterprises and mission-led businesses through access to workspace, business support and funding opportunities”.
First built as the Gipton Board School in 1897, the building is grade two-listed. It now offers office space, conferencing facilities for up to 200 people and a Leeds-wide business catering offering.
Over close to two decades, Shine has delivered significant social impact, supporting women ex-offenders back into the workforce, providing arts and enrichment programmes for local children and championing female entrepreneurship. Allia Group said it is committed to preserving and building on the values that have made Shine a cornerstone of inclusive entrepreneurship in Leeds.
Allia Workspace, which also operates centres in Cambridge and Peterborough, has been operating since 2013. It said that under its stewardship, the building will remain a flexible, affordable workspace, conference and community hub, with an expanded focus on supporting social enterprises, tech-for-good businesses, charities and impact entrepreneurs across the region.
David Broach, chief executive of Allia Workspace, said: “Leeds has one of the most dynamic and community-minded business cultures in the UK, and the Shine building is a perfect embodiment of that spirit.
“We are honoured to be the next stewards of this extraordinary space. Our commitment is to build on the incredible platform that Dawn, Todd and the Shine team have created, while bringing more than two decades of the Allia Group’s expertise in supporting impact businesses to the heart of Harehills. For us, this acquisition is about more than a building; it is about continuing a legacy of inclusion, entrepreneurship, and community.”
Dawn O’Keefe, co-founder & managing director at Shine, said: “Shine has become renowned for its contribution to inclusive entrepreneurship, community and regeneration.
“What began as a bold £5m vision for a derelict building is now a thriving health and education space in Harehills serving organisations across the public, private and third sectors. We are thrilled that Allia Workspace, an organisation that shares our values and passion for impact, will carry this building forward. We know it is in the very best of hands.”
Shine said that members of the existing Shine community will be supported through the transition. The organisation will now focus on growing its SheCanShine support programme for women entrepreneurship into a national offer.
The acquisition also marks a return to Yorkshire for the wider Allia Group. Originally founded as CityLife, the organisation’s earliest work included pioneering community investment bonds in Sheffield.
