O2 Academy Leeds is a spectacular building situated at the site of the former Town and Country Club and in more recent years, Creation nightclub (2001-2004), AMG restored the Grade I listed building to its former glory as one of the City’s most historic music venues. 

Originally the Coliseum building on Cookridge Street, the venue was opened in 1885 by the Prince and Princess of Wales. Designed by William Bakewell, in Gothic style, it featured an ornate stone frontage and a hall described as ‘one of the finest in the North of England’ (Kelly’s Directory – 1914). 

In its early years, it was used for circus and Variety shows of the day, through to political meetings and religious gatherings. Changing hands between various theatre and property developers, the Coliseum converted to a cinema in 1938 and was renamed the Gaumont. It closed in March 1961 and re-opened as a Bingo Hall and Social club, through to use as a television studio in the 1980s until 1991. 

From 1992 to 2000, it was home to the legendary Town and Country Club, playing host to many high profile acts including Blur, INXS, Mark Knopfler and The Stones Roses.
Following a £4.5m refurbishment, the venue opened with an outstanding show by the most successful band from the City, Kaiser Chiefs on Wednesday 8th October 2008. 

Since opening, the venue has been an instant hit with artists and promoters and customers, all delighted the venue retains as many original features and grandeur of its former years by converting back to the theatre format, but adding up to the minute and facilities and production values.

Designed to the highest technical specification, the auditorium is theatre style and has a capacity of 2,300 with original brick features and exposed beams and perfectly combines its magnificent heritage with a modern development. 

The venue also has a 400 capacity second room downstairs called ‘Underground’. An intimate club space, it marks a contemporary twist to AMG’s venue portfolio, with minimal design and multiple screens, top of the range PA and lighting specification to host the perfect club events and pre and post bar trade. 

Awards
• Total Production International Awards 2013, 2012, 2009 ‘Favourite Venue’ (nomination)

CAPACITY

400

SECURITY

Showsec International Ltd - booked by venue

LAND LINES / SHORE POWER

2 x 32 Amp Ceeform and 2 x 16 Amp Ceeform in loading bay to be shared with main room production
 

CATERING FACILITIES

If catering is required then please liaise with the venue

PARKING FACILITIES

Space for 1 bus and 7.5 tonne truck or splitter and car
 

TOWELS

Towel hire available – please arrange in advance

PRODUCTION OFFICE

T. +44 1133 891 570
F. +44 1133 891 571
Wireless Internet
 

PERFORMANCE AREAS

There is a raised area between the main front speakers that is where the DJ Booth is situated. There is limited space either side of this for performance area. There are audio feeds on the back wall to feed into the main PA
 

LOAD IN

Push down from street (Portland Crescent) at the stage end of the venue onto main auditorium floor – stairs lead from the main auditorium down to the foyer and then stairs lead from the foyer down to the Underground venue
.
 

PA

4 x Turbosound TA 880-H
4 x Turbosound TA 880-L
4 x Turbosound TSW 218
2 x Turbosound NuQ 12
 
MC2 Amplification
4 x E25
4 x E45
 
FDS 366T crossovers
 
The PA is ground stacked in columns with one speaker of each type
The speaker stacks are in 4 opposite corners and can be run either in stereo or as a 5:1 setup.
 

STAGE MONITORS

LE1500s can be supplied but this must be arrange two weeks in advance
 

FOH DESK

Allen and Heath Mixwizard 16

PERMANENT DJ SET-UP

2 x Pioneer CDJMKIII
2 x Technics 1210 MKII
1 x Allen and Heath 3D

LIGHTING

Avolites azure shadow with VGA monitor
 
4 x Robe 170 Moving Heads
36 x Chroma Panels
4 x Chroma Zone
8 x Solar 250
1x Unique 2 Hazer
 

AV

2 x 32 inch LCD Screens mounted behind bars
21 x 7.5 inch screens mounted in alcove seating areas
AV send feed from Technical Office including DVD and Hippotizer
AV input also by projector for visiting VJ’s via vga socket
1 x Projector Sanyo PLCXT20L
10ft screen with projector mounted for back projection
Sreen drops behind raised performance area