First look inside transformed Leeds warehouse - a new home for Live Music

photo credit: Ryan Klye

TESTBED Reveals Major Overhaul To Become Leading Venue For Music and Culture In Leeds

With support from new partners AMAAD, TESTBED unveils major structural improvements, upgrades to sound and lighting, and an enhanced customer experience…

TAKE A FIRST LOOK INSIDE

A new and improved TESTBED will relaunch this September, at the dynamic intersection of electronic music, live culture and community. The landmark Leeds venue will reopen its doors to showcase permanent structural improvements and major upgrades across sound (a custom L-Acoustics L2 system), lighting (a fully integrated Chauvet lighting system), and overall customer experience. With a capacity of 2,500, the countdown has begun as TESTBED prepares to relaunch at the forefront of Leeds’ vibrant creative culture.

TESTBED’s founders Laura Wellington and James Abbott-Donnelly remain front and centre, now with the backing to realise their original cultural vision for the venue; an accessible platform where Leeds-based ideas, talent and organisations can grow, collaborate and reach bigger audiences. AMAAD – the promoters behind Junction 2 Festival, LWE events, and Ironworks – has partnered with TESTBED, providing significant investment, expertise, and firm plans to bring world-class talent to the city, as the new and improved venue joins influential multi-purpose venues Quarters in Brighton and The Prospect Building in Bristol, as part of the AMAAD venue portfolio.

The purpose-built stage at Testbed and the brand-new mezzanine level with bar, seating and lockers for improved customer experience

With the venue expanding from 10,000 sq ft to 23,000 sq ft, the upgrades will deliver a positive evolution of the TESTBED experience. Entering through the new lobby, guests can enjoy a brand-new 5,000 sq ft mezzanine level with customisable seating and view the huge dancefloor space from a brand-new balcony. The new upstairs bar will continue TESTBED’s commitment to support local brands and suppliers.

Downstairs, the custom-built stage allows for a 360-degree crowd and unrivalled atmosphere around the DJ booth when in club mode. A Room 2 is also underway for a 2027 reveal, creating a multi-purpose space and chill-out area.

Sleek interior design and lighting elevate the new floor at Testbed

TESTBED is ready to push immersive culture in Leeds to the next level, providing a platform for clubbing, live music, theatre, community projects, and more. It will be the only venue in the city with a customised L-Acoustics L2 system. This higher-spec design is usually found at larger venues and festivals, and guarantees exceptional sound quality with full-venue coverage, while the cardioid array configuration directs sound into the venue, reducing transmission towards neighbours.

The newly designed lighting includes multiple moving lights and strobes, together with a large LED ceiling installation and bespoke under-balcony display of LED strips and curves, complemented by a high-res 8m x 4m LED video wall.

Guests will also keep cool thanks to significant upgrades to ventilation and air circulation, with powerful high-capacity fans creating a fresher, more comfortable environment throughout.

Perhaps less glamorous, but no less important, the portaloos are gone, replaced by four brand new toilet blocks that double capacity - all custom designed with unique flair while focusing on safety, comfort and hygiene.

The view from the balcony level down onto the main room

AMAAD has always focused on long-term partnerships with local businesses, creative collectives, independent promoters, and charities at its venues, and has created youth apprenticeship schemes and cultural spaces to connect. The TESTBED founders share these values and will continue to implement their long-term vision for TESTBED, ensuring authenticity and deeper connections to the people and culture of Leeds. TESTBED will also continue to provide a home for community radio station, alto radio, which broadcasts from its base inside the venue.

Since opening in 2021, TESTBED has carved out a reputation as a unique, forward-thinking, multi-purpose space. AMAAD brings a proven track record and booking expertise - music fans should expect high-quality, credible artist bookings that respect the venue's heritage and Leeds' rich history of electronic music culture.

With a fully standing 1,500-capacity for live music, AMAAD will also expand its existing partnership with renowned live music programmer Ghostwriter - which has worked with national and local promoters to deliver the likes of Little Simz, Yungblud, and Geese to The Prospect Building, and Everything Everything, The Sherlocks, and The Callous Daoboys to Quarters - to include TESTBED. The venue will create a vital next-step venue where emerging and established artists can grow into larger audiences, while giving national and international touring acts another reason to include Leeds on their schedules.

Full lineups and opening details will be announced soon. TESTBED reopens its doors in September to reveal the next stage in its evolution.