Historic Harehills Shine Building Acquired by Allia Group

One of Harehills’ most recognisable buildings has been acquired by the Allia Group, with plans to expand business support and workspace opportunities in East Leeds.

The landmark Shine building on Harehills Road has been purchased by Allia Foundation, the charity behind the Allia Group.

The building will now be operated by Allia Workspace, becoming the organisation’s first Yorkshire hub.

The acquisition will bring new opportunities for local charities, social enterprises and businesses through affordable workspace, mentoring, networking and access to funding support.

The Grade II listed building, originally constructed as Gipton Board School in 1897, has been a prominent part of Harehills for more than a century.

In 2007, Shine’s founders transformed the former school following a £5 million restoration project.

Today, the 40,000-square-foot building provides offices, meeting spaces, conference facilities for up to 200 people and business catering services.

Over nearly two decades, Shine has become an important centre for community development and entrepreneurship.

Its work has included helping women ex-offenders return to employment, providing arts programmes for local children and supporting female entrepreneurs.

Allia Workspace, which already operates centres in Cambridge and Peterborough, says it intends to preserve this community-focused approach while expanding the building’s services.

David Broach, Chief Executive Officer of Allia Workspace, said: “We are honoured to be the next stewards of this extraordinary space.

“For us, this acquisition is about more than a building; it is about continuing a legacy of inclusion, entrepreneurship, and community.”

The organisation plans to invest in the building and introduce additional events, networking opportunities and business support programmes.

A dedicated Ecosystem Engagement Lead will also help tenants and local organisations access free training, mentoring and business growth support through Allia Impact.

Existing members of the Shine community will receive support during the transition.

The acquisition also marks a new chapter for Shine’s co-founders, Dawn O’Keefe and Todd Hannula.

The pair will now concentrate on expanding SheCanShine, a programme supporting women entrepreneurs, into a nationwide network.

Founded in 2020, SheCanShine has already supported more than 300 women through workshops, mentoring and peer-to-peer support.

Dawn O’Keefe, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Shine, welcomed the acquisition.

She said: “What began as a bold £5 million 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.”

The acquisition forms part of Allia Group’s wider plans to expand its work across Yorkshire.

The organisation has spent more than 25 years supporting charities and businesses that aim to make a positive social and environmental impact.

Todd Hannula, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Shine, said finding an organisation that respected the building’s history and community was particularly important.

He said: “It was important to us that the Shine building went to a buyer who would cherish its history, honour its community, and accelerate its impact. We are proud to hand over stewardship of the building and excited to see what the next chapter holds, both for this remarkable space and for SheCanShine as we expand the programme across the UK.”

Its plans for Harehills include bringing together affordable workspace, business advice and funding opportunities under one roof.

Allia hopes the building will become a focal point for socially responsible businesses across Leeds, while continuing Shine’s longstanding commitment to community inclusion.