Botany £1M refurbishment complete

Major refurbishment complete

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Last updated on 10 September 2019

The £1m smart refurbishment of Botany House has created a newly transformed space for the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science.

This new facility provides an inspired environment for Postgraduates and teaching staff to further enhance the School’s research capabilities.

Louise Hawksworth, School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Manager said:

“The refurbishment of Botany House is a huge step for the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science. It means we have been able to rethink how we use our accommodation, including existing space in Michael Sadler and Baines Wing, to allow for improved facilities for our staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and visitors. Up until now, the School has been spread out over seven buildings, but now it feels like PRHS has a home right in the heart of campus.”

The school is the only one of its kind enabling creative and critical future thinkers in higher education. The new site will provide a dedicated space for students to continue exploring philosophy, religion, and history of science in unparalleled depth and breadth.

View the new image gallery below (click to expand)

Find out more about the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science.

Changing room Leeds sports park

Making tracks at Bodington Playing Fields Pavilion and Cycle Circuit

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Last updated on 10 September 2019

Good progress is being made with the development of the closed loop cycle track and pavilion upgrade. Former pitches are now under transformation with soil layers removed and levelling of ground taking place in order for track construction to begin.

Enabling works to refurbish the interior of the pavilion are underway. Over the coming weeks we will see a third floor and viewing balcony added to the building along with the installation of new windows and a modernised exterior frontage.

Planners at Leeds City Council have given consent to the planned £5m investment that will create significant training facilities for cycling and triathlon in Leeds.

The main contractor appointed to carry out the works, that are due for completion in January 2017, is Geo.Houlton and Sons Ltd.

Dave Padden, Construction Director of Geo.Houlton and Sons Ltd. commented:

“Houlton are very excited to be involved in this project. The scheme is going to offer students first class, state of the art facilities as well as continuing to provide grass roots sports in the wider community.

For us, the fact that Houlton, a long established company with a tradition of providing investment and opportunity for its own staff, has been given this opportunity, to be associated with  the University’s investment in its aspiring athletes of the future as well as existing Elite athletes, makes us immensely proud”

Patrick Craig, Assistant Head of Sport at the University of Leeds added:

“We are delighted to be able to add this new cycle track and sports pavilion to our growing portfolio of top class sport facilities. To be able to do this in partnership with world leading sports bodies including British Cycling, British Triathlon, UK Sport and Sport England reinforces our vision of becoming the number one provider of higher education sport and physical activity experience in the UK and demonstrates our desire to support the development of sport on the world stage”

Find out more about the Sports Park Weetwood Pavilion and Cycle Track 

Pure cafe

PURE Café at Worsley opening shortly

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Last updated on 10 September 2019

As part of the refurbishment work taking place in the Worsley Building, work has been undertaken to create a new café and dining area on Level 9.

Pure is the latest café to be added to the Great Food at Leeds portfolio, the University owned catering facilities.

The £41m investment to upgrade office space and teaching facilities is now 75% complete, with project completion expected at the end of this year.

Staff from the School of Medicine have settled into the new Faculty Office on Level 9 and work has commenced ahead of programme in the Dissection Labs, which will be complete in time for the start of term.

The new café, PURE, will focus on healthy and seasonal food options and follows the shifting trend towards health and wellbeing amongst students and staff.

Other completed areas include the roof garden, Level 11 offices which have now been handed back and the western half of Level 10 which is now in the process of being occupied by Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research colleagues.

Work to the main building entrance and dental changing areas on Level 4 is now underway. Good progress is also being made on work to improve central teaching spaces on Level 8, with most of the work being carried out during nights and weekends, to limit disruption to colleagues using the building.

Find out more about the Worsley Building project

Map of projects
LUU reception foyer

Key facilities re-open for autumn term

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Last updated on 10 September 2019

Leeds University Union and the Edward Boyle Library will partially re-open their doors as students make their return to the University in late September.

Edward Boyle Library Refurbishment

Significant refurbishment work has been underway to transform, modernise and upgrade both facilities.

Phase 3 of the refurbishment programme for the Edward Boyle Library will see the opening of the new Postgraduate Research Hub on Level 13 and 1000 new study spaces. Full completion of the project is on schedule for early 2017.

Partial completion of upgrade work at the Union building will mean that current and new students will be able to kick-start term with full access to the Old Bar and Pyramid (formerly Mine).  All of which have been upgraded as part of the £16.8m investment. Full completion of the project is planned for April 2017.

Find out more about the Edward Boyle Library project

Find out more about the Leeds University Union project