Learn more about the Cloberry Street Building project

Work begins on new teaching facility

/in , /by

Last updated on 19 December 2019

Colleagues have come together to mark the start of work on a new teaching facility on Lyddon Terrace.

Representatives from Estates, Leeds University Business School and the School of Law joined the contractor BAM construction and architects DLA Architecture to mark this important construction milestone.

LUBS Ground Breaking

Richard Gaughan, Gardiner & Theobald LLP; Kevin Pollard, BAM; Craig Reed, Director of DLA Architecture; Professor Nicholas Scott, Leeds University Business School; Professor Julia Bennell, Leeds University Business School; Steve Gilley, Estates and Facilities Services; Dennis Hopper, Director of Campus Developments; Mitali Agrawal, Leeds University Business School; Ben Walker, Gardiner & Theobald LLP; Mark Sanderson, BAM

The investment, on Lyddon Terrace, will create a new central teaching facility which will also house space for the Business School and the School of Law.  It is proposed that prominent features of the building will include a new Trading Room, flexible teaching areas and Behavioural Laboratories to provide more flexible and innovative ways of teaching.

Steve Gilley, Director of Estates and Facilities said: “This new building is contributing to the University’s wider ambition to create an environment that promotes learning, innovation and enterprise. It will provide technology-rich, flexible teaching spaces, lecture theatres and trading rooms, further advancing the delivery of world-class teaching solutions.”

Professor Julia Bennell, Dean of Leeds University Business School, said: “It is wonderful to mark the beginning of the construction of this new state-of-the-art teaching facility. I am grateful to the many Business School colleagues and Leeds University Union (LUU) students who contributed to designing what will be a world class student-centred learning environment. These new facilities will further enhance our reputation as a leading Business School.

Mitali Agrawal, a Business School Student Representative for the Marketing division said: “This important investment in the new building is testament to the dedication and commitment of the Business School in enhancing its students’ learning experiences here at the University.”

BAM construction director, Kelvin Pollard, said: “It is fantastic to be building another world-class teaching facility at the University of Leeds, where we are already on site delivering the Sir William Henry Bragg building. We have well-established, strong working relationships with the University and this is an excellent basis to work from.”

Click here for more information about this project.

Learn more about the design for a new student hub on western campus

Award-winning architects to design new student hub on western campus

/in /by

Last updated on 19 December 2019

The University of Leeds has announced ambitious plans to create a flagship building for students and staff at the heart of the western campus, supported by a generous gift from the Laidlaw Foundation.

In partnership with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) the University has commissioned an architectural competition to design the building, which attracted submissions from around the world.  O’Donnell and Tuomey, an award-winning Dublin-based architectural firm, has been named winner of the competition and will work with the University to develop detailed plans.

The building will be the focal point for student enterprise and innovation activity on campus.  It will also provide a range of key facilities, including space for study and social learning, educational outreach activity, and support for employability, careers and skills development.

The investment is a key part of plans to expand Leeds University Business School (LUBS) and the School of Law, creating an inspirational environment for staff and students, and a welcoming environment for visitors.

The student hub that will be open to all students will be situated on University land adjacent to the Maurice Keyworth Building, home of LUBS, and the Liberty Building, home of the School of Law.

Professor Julia Bennell, Deputy Dean of Leeds University Business School, said: “The University provides an outstanding educational experience for all of our students and the student hub will enhance this by bringing together support for student enterprise, innovation skills development and careers in one exceptional space.

“The creation of innovative and sustainable educational space will also give the Business School and the School of Law the room that we need to grow. The appointment of an award-winning architectural practice signifies our intent to develop an outstanding building and I look forward to working closely with O’Donnell & Tuomey to develop our vision.”

Irvine Laidlaw, who established the Laidlaw Foundation, studied Economics at Leeds in the 1960s.  He has also supported the Laidlaw Library, and an ongoing programme of Laidlaw Scholarships.

Lord Laidlaw said: “The University has a long-standing tradition of welcoming students from less well-off backgrounds to Leeds and helping them to achieve their potential. I am delighted that the Laidlaw Foundation is supporting the development of this building, which reflects my philosophy of education as a driver for social advancement.”

Parkinson accessible seating area

Makeover for University’s main entrances

/in /by

Last updated on 20 November 2019

A large project to improve the look and general accessibility around the main entrance to the University has now been completed. Previously the area where the Michael Sadler Building meets the side of the Parkinson Building had sloping feathered steps on one side, and uneven ground without a clear pathway on the other. These feathered steps have been removed and replaced with a green area featuring a newly planted semi-mature tree. On the other side, the seating area has been redone with more attractive furniture, improved landscaping and clear accessible routes to allow easy access from Woodhouse Lane onto University Road. This includes removing a threshold step that made access under the archway difficult and could force people off the path and into the road.

The works are a continuation of the project that has made the Parkinson Building more accessible than ever. The steps have been replaced, handrails have been put in place and a new lift has been installed. This means that for the first time in its history it will be possible for all visitors, students and staff to enter the Parkinson Building together using the main entrance.

Dr Angharad Beckett, Associate Professor of Political Sociology and Joint Director of the Centre for Disability Studies, said:

“I felt that I just must write to say thank you for the fantastic development of the Parkinson Building Main Entrance. The lift for wheelchair users, or anyone who cannot climb the steps, is wonderful. My students (past and present) in Disability Studies, plus the wider community of scholars and activists in this area in Leeds and beyond are delighted to see it. They have observed that it is both beautiful and functional.

The reaction has been that it conveys a powerful message about diversity and inclusion at this University. No longer will those with mobility impairments enter the iconic building of the University via a side entrance (’round the side’). Now they will enter via the front door, like everyone else.

This is so important and something we are celebrating.”

Parkinson Building main entrance with accessible lift

The Parkinson Building is now fully accessible

/in , /by

Last updated on 8 November 2019

The Parkinson Building our most iconic building on campus, has elevated its profile following the completion of work to install a lift at the main entrance of the building.

Following a detailed scheme of improvement works, which has included the installation of the lift alongside the upgrading of the steps and handrails, together, for the first time in history, the University has made it possible for all visitors, students and staff to enter Parkinson Building using the main entrance.

Len Wilson, Deputy Director of Estates commented: “The University makes every effort to improve accessibility across campus. The Parkinson steps have been an iconic gateway to the University since its opening in 1951. Although a major focal point for student and visitor gatherings, the steps have been one of the most inaccessible parts of campus. The University has been keen to address this and ensure all visitors, students and staff are able to enter this iconic building via the same entrance, have the same experience and be equally inspired.”

The Parkinson Building with the new accessible lift

The University is made up of a community of people with diverse backgrounds and circumstances, which we value and regard as a great asset. As part of our continued commitment to equality and inclusion, we strive to create an environment where everyone can access our campus, have an opportunity to participate in and contribute to our activities allowing everyone to reach their full potential.

Sabiha Patel, Head of Equality and Inclusion, commented: “I am grateful to the University and delighted with this development to Parkinson Building.  Full access to our buildings is an essential first step to inclusion.   Everyone should now be able to enter the building easily and take advantage of all the opportunities it affords.”

You might also like…

 

News - Chris grayling

Official openings mark success of buildings

This year has seen the official opening of two, multi-million…
22nd March 2017/by Matt Hamnett
2016 year in review

Campus Developments in 2016

As the year draws to an end we take a look back on how campus…
15th December 2016/by Matt Hamnett
Fine art

Building work complete for Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies

The School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies received…
22nd July 2016/by Matt Hamnett
Load more
Director of Estates and Facilities collecting the award for Design Excellence at the Yorkshire Insider Property Industry Awards 2019. Photograph taken by Nick Freeman, 246Photography.

Design excellence award for Nexus

/in , /by

Last updated on 1 November 2019

Nexus has been recognised for its design excellence at the Yorkshire Insider Property Industry Awards 2019.

The annual awards celebrate the major deals and developments from across the region as well as the teams of planners, lawyers and architects that made them possible.

Designed by Associated Architects on behalf of the University, the award judges’ comments included: “The £38m Nexus project represents an investment in building relationships between the private sector and academia, and there has already been a good take-up of office space.”

Steve Gilley, Director of Estates and Facilities commented: “Every construction project presents different challenges for us. We aim to provide buildings which offer solutions to new ways of working for our students, staff and business partners. Taking these ideas and developing our requirements into a well-designed building is the task we set our external architects and consultants. I’m grateful for the great partnership with Associated Architects, who have been behind Nexus, and am delighted their work has been acknowledged at these prestigious regional property awards.

James Hall, Director of Associated Architects commented: “We have really enjoyed working on this project and are pleased it has been recognised. A strong ambition to set new standards by the University has enabled us to develop an innovative building that responds to this challenging location and provides a new University ‘front door’.

For more information read about the construction of Nexus and find out more about the work of Nexus.

You might also like…

 

News - Chris grayling

Official openings mark success of buildings

This year has seen the official opening of two, multi-million…
22nd March 2017/by Matt Hamnett
2016 year in review

Campus Developments in 2016

As the year draws to an end we take a look back on how campus…
15th December 2016/by Matt Hamnett
Fine art

Building work complete for Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies

The School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies received…
22nd July 2016/by Matt Hamnett
Load more