Award-winning architects Ash Sakula are behind the compelling mix of industrial landscape and cutting-edge design united in the depot. As part of the exciting development of the cultural quarter, the building fuses past reality and futuristic vision.
 | | The Creative Business Depot's entrance |
For manager Peter Chandler, the key note of the project is working with what already existed in Leicester. Even the site’s name stems from Leicester City Bus Depot, using the acronym of its previous function. Many of the businesses in residence are Leicester companies, looking for a suitable outlet and location for their ideas.With thirty one organisations already occupying studios within the building, the depot is happily meeting targets from the project’s outset in June.
 | | Seating inside the depot |
Occupants range from graphic and interior design companies to record labels. A sum of diverse and exciting parts, the depot embraces multicultural Leicester, with Bollywood film companies and an Afro-Caribbean radio station also based there. The longer you spend in the depot, the more difficult it becomes to separate building and concept because both seem to compliment each other so perfectly. What strikes you immediately is the quirky sense of fun everywhere you look: Studio doors are blackboards, poised ready to scribble down brilliant 'Eureka!' ideas.
 | | Even the mail boxes are creative! |
Artist Tony Stoland’s neon light installations act as sensors for buzz inside the building, with neon rings circling the chimney and changing colour according to the levels of music and chatter. With its innovative design and occupants, the long-term vision for the depot is still in the early stages of reaching its potential in promoting Leicester’s creative community.
 | | Depot resident Paul Wright's exhibition |
With plans for the cultural quarter to include new performing arts centres and music venues still in the embryonic stages, the depot seems to be just waiting for the rest of the area to catch up and provides a great benchmark for future developments. | 
