The Grade-II Listed Electric Press has been stunning the people of Leeds since being built in 1840 – and now it’s bringing a boost the city’s music scene.
Higher education provider, AD Education UK – a combination of the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) and creative media group SAE – will be opening its Leeds Campus in the Electric Press. Sprawling across 17,000 square feet, they’ll be based in the dynamic Switch office space, complete with new music equipment and creative media software.
ICMP has been at the forefront of contemporary music education for more than 35 years. They deliver innovative courses in music specialisms, including the likes of Electronic Music Production, Music Marketing, and Live Event Management. Meanwhile, the SAE Creative Media Institute is a global leader when it comes to creative media education, providing cutting-edge higher education and vocational courses with a focus on practical experience.
This is a fantastic boost for Leeds’ vibrant contemporary music and creative media scene, potentially attracting the movers and shakers of the future to the heart of the city.
“We are excited to be expanding and solidifying our presence in the North of England and can’t wait to welcome eager artists and creatives to our open day, giving them a feel for our values and offering as a higher education provider,” said AD Education UK’s Chief Executive, Steffan Davies.
“Many of our graduates have gone on to become household names including Fraser T Smith, Clean Bandit and The Vaccines. Our alumni have also made their mark behind the scenes, designing cutting-edge tech for the Rolling Stones and shaping industries by winning Oscars and receiving BAFTA nominations in film, TV, content creation and gaming,” he added. “This new chapter in Leeds gives us an exciting opportunity to develop the next generation of talent in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.”
Eamon Fox, Partner and Head of Development at Knight Frank – the global property consultancy that brokered the 15-year lease – said, “Leeds has long had a reputation as one of the UK’s most innovative cities and a vibrant hub of northern creativity.
“On top of being renowned for its vibrant music scene, the city’s tech sector is growing at a rate more than double the national average, meaning areas such as gaming, film, animation and digital marketing – all of which are closely affiliated with the music industry – are booming.”
He added: “Switch is the perfect base for the institute, its contemporary design matching the institute’s cutting-edge culture and ethos… Part of the Civic Quarter’s iconic Electric Press building, ADE UK’s Leeds Campus is a symbol of the city’s continuous reinvention and dedication to creativity.”
The ICMP Undergraduate Open Day is at Headrow House, 19a The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PU at 10am on Saturday 29th March 2025.
