Ramp closure at Roger Stevens

Last updated on 19 December 2024

Building Number(s): 0053
Building Name(s): Roger Stevens Building
Date: 6th January 2025 7:00 AM to 21st February 2024 11:30 PM

Is this work scheduled or planned? Yes
Type of work: Maintenance –
Type of disruption: Path closure –
Specific rooms/roads/paths/car park spaces affected:

The ramp at the Roger Stevens building.

Additional information:

To ensure scaffold can be erected and work can be conducted safely, the Roger Stevens ramp will be closed from 6 January 2025 – 21 February 2025.

Maintenance work is required to the north elevations of Roger Stevens, as part of ongoing concrete repair work across campus.

Signage will be in place to direct pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians can use alternative routes through Roger Stevens for lift access or walkway towards EC Stoner. Cyclists will be encouraged to dismount and use the walkway and stairs to the side of EC Stoner (Green) or take the route via Finsbury Road underneath EC Stoner (Amber) if the bike they use cannot be carried up stairs.

Furthermore, the main entrance doors at the top of the ramp (level 7) will always remain open.
The duration that the scaffold is located on the ramp may be extended due to adverse weather preventing maintenance work taking place.

Pedestrians and cyclists will not be able to use the ramp but can use alternatives routes highlighted below to access Roger Stevens and other areas of campus.

The duration that the scaffold is located on the ramp may be extended due to adverse weather preventing maintenance work taking place.

Please be aware that no work will not take place during the exam period*.

For more information, contact George Drake, Building Technical Officer at
Mobile: 07789 430273 Email: g.drake@leeds.ac.uk

Urgent concrete repairs at EC Stoner

Last updated on 18 December 2024

Is this work scheduled or planned? Yes
Type of work: Maintenance –
Type of disruption: Restricted access to building/room/space, Noise, dust and/or vibration –
Specific rooms/roads/paths/car park spaces affected:

Access around the perimeter of the building and entry/exit at various entrances may be restricted due to overhead working.

Additional information:

Alternative routes, entry/exit doors may need to be sought to avoid areas closed off for safety reasons, this may be a changing picture as the contractors manoeuvre around the perimeter of the building. Continuation of wheelchair access is paramount and with regard to the teaching rooms in the building, alternative spaces are being sought as it is likely Entrance 3 North is likely to be closed for around 2 weeks. Routes will remain accessible in the event of emergency.

Building Number(s): 0071
Building Name(s): EC Stoner
Date: 16th December 2024 12:00 AM to 31st January 2025 11:30 PM

For more information, contact George Drake at
Mobile: 07789430273 Email: G.Drake@leeds.ac.uk

Cheney Lab project at Roger Stevens

Last updated on 16 December 2024

Is this work scheduled or planned? Yes
Type of work: Maintenance –
Type of disruption: Other – Some access disruption while site compound is set up

Additional information:

Neighbour liaison meetings will be held during the contract period to manage disruption.
• If any changes to key dates are identified, this notice will be updated and re-distributed.
• When further disruptions are known, this notice will be updated and re-distributed.

Building Number(s): 0053
Building Name(s): Roger Stevens Building, Levels 5 & 6
Date: 4th November 2024 12:00 AM to 28th April 2025 11:30 PM

For more information, contact Adrian Smith at
tel: 07917 520 547 and email: a.smith1@leeds.ac.uk

roger stevens building from a panoramic view with the sun setting in the background

Maintaining and preserving the Roger Stevens Building

Last updated on 4 December 2024

Essential maintenance is underway to repair, maintain and preserve the exterior of the Roger Stevens Building.

The work, which will continue into the start of 2025, is focused around conserving the architecture of the Grade II* listed building.

The building remains open and is safe to be used while work is ongoing.

Necessary repairs

Estates are working alongside engineering and construction firm Mountain Earth to conduct hammer testing and repairs to areas of concrete on the building’s exterior.

Hammer testing, which is used to identify areas of concrete in need of repair, is noisy by nature; however, steps are being taken to minimise disruption.

Estates has worked with the timetabling team to move classes most likely to be impacted by the work out of the building, reducing the impact on staff and students.

Where possible, Mountain Earth is using elevating work platforms rather than erecting scaffolding when carrying out repairs to keep noise levels to a minimum.

Preserving an iconic building

Estates has worked closely with Leeds City Council’s Conservation Officer to make sure the building is properly preserved.

The building will be coated in a colour closer to what was originally used when it first opened – a process that will be repeated for other listed concrete buildings on campus.

We apologise for any disruption caused.

The field at the Research Farm with a tractor ploughing, stands and people are in the background

Farming and agricultural experts converge on Research Farm for conference

Last updated on 27 November 2024

The University of Leeds Research Farm has ploughed a new trail as a specialist events venue after receiving top marks from the organisers of a leading agricultural conference.

Agricultural experts and farmers from across the country travelled to the farm near Tadcaster for Tillage-Live, the UK’s largest cultivations event.

Organised by Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA), Tillage-Live is a crop-field demonstration that attracts industry-leading names such as John Deere, Horsch UK and Vaderstad and their associated dealerships, together with representation from a wide range of agricultural suppliers and technology providers.

Providing the ideal space 

What sets the event apart is the depth and breadth of the demonstration, covering all aspects of crop establishment.

The demonstration visitors the chance to watch multiple exhibitors in action across field-scale plots in one location at the same time.

With over 750 acres of land and state-of-the-art facilities, the site provided organisers with everything they needed to create a successful event.

Establishing the farm as an events venue

It is hoped that Tillage-Live will be the catalyst for more farming and agricultural conferences and events to be hosted at the farm.

Philip Dougill, Head of Asset Management at the University said: “We were keen to support our licensee farmers, Hartley Farming and farm managers Velcourt Ltd, when they brought the proposal to us to host Tillage-Live at the farm.

“The University has worked hard over the last four years to improve its facilities and is keen to continue to boost its profile as a model commercial farm acting as a platform for research and teaching.”

Kayleigh Holden, Event Organiser from the Agricultural Engineers Association said: “The Agricultural Engineers Association were delighted with the site and the cooperation of the University, farmers, and contractors to deliver the National Cultivations Demonstration in September.

“The combination of location, proximity to the national road network, soil type, layout and the on-site team all helped Tillage-Live to be a success.”

Find out more about the University of Leeds Research Farm.

A snow plough clearing snow from a pathway

November 2024 – cold weather update

Last updated on 19 November 2024

A Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice is in place across Yorkshire from the evening of Monday 18 November until the morning of Tuesday 19 November.

Latest update

19/11: 09:00

Light snowfall has fallen overnight on campus.

There is a minimal amount of lying snow amount on paths and roads, and our Grounds & Gardens have been fully clearing core routes this morning.

If you are coming onto campus today, please take time to check travel information and take extra care to stay safe.

Clearing snow and ice on campus

Gritting and snow clearing services from the University’s Grounds & Gardens team and external contractors are clearing overnight ice and snowfall.

Their focus is on making sure that core access routes are clear, as opposed to individual buildings.

You can report ice and snow that is affecting access routes by emailing our helpdesk.

Travelling to campus

If you work on campus, please make sure you’ve read the University’s procedure for working arrangements during adverse weather.

You can find updates on road disruption via Leeds City Council, on rail via National Rail and on buses in the Leeds area via First Bus.

Disruption updates

This page will be regularly updated in the event of ice and snowfall. We’ll also be providing updates through our Estates team’s X and Instagram pages.

Contact us

To report snow or ice affecting core routes, you can email our helpdesk or by calling the team on: 0113 343 5555.

Keep warm and take care if you’re outside!

Bulbs in front of wavy bacon on campus

University campus scoops hat-trick of prestigious environmental awards

Last updated on 19 November 2024

The University of Leeds campus is officially ‘blooming great’ again after retaining a prestigious environmental prize.

It has scooped Gold and is the winner in the Universities, Colleges and Further Establishments category at this year’s Yorkshire in Bloom awards for the third year running.

Commending hard work of colleagues

Judges recognised the high standard to which campus is maintained and were impressed with the ‘unexpected’ high variety of flora and fauna growing in an inner-city space.

They also commended the long-term hard work of University colleagues, labelling the current shape of campus as the ‘result of the careful planning and actions of dedicated staff over many years’.

Efforts to keep campus in tip-top shape all-year are led by the Estates, Sustainability and Residential Services teams, who work together to both maintain current spaces and plan how to make campus more biodiverse in the future.

Sustainability’s key role in entry

Sustainability has been a central part of this year’s submission, with judges recognising the positive impact of wildlife habitats created and introduced through the Urban Buzz Project.

The positive impact the University has on biodiversity isn’t confined by the grounds of the campus. The North Hill Well Wood Project, which runs in the Headingley Hill area, received praise for its role as an integral part of teaching and learning for students.

Yorkshire in Bloom – the regional body representing the Britain in Bloom – organises its annual competition encouraging schools, businesses, and other community groups to create pleasant natural environments around them.

Sean Craven, Outside Spaces Manager said: “’This award recognises hard work put in by the Grounds and Gardens team all year round in all weather conditions.

“We try to create a campus that offers something for everyone, from formal lawns and planting, to wildflower areas that encourage pollinators and biodiversity.”

Mike Howroyd from the Sustainability team said: “Winning Gold for a third year in a row is a proud moment, as it reflects the dedication we’ve all put into enhancing biodiversity and sustainability across the campus.

“The award highlights how our collaborative approach to landscaping and managing our green spaces can create thriving ecosystems in an urban setting, that are climate resilient and also benefit nature and our community.”

Mike Leonard, Residential Property Manager, said: “This work demonstrates what we can achieve when we all work together, from Grounds and Gardens, Sustainability and Residential Services, to the landscape architects, ground maintenance contractors, student sustainability architects, charities and our volunteers

“The judge was impressed by what he saw on his visit, but also with the depth of evidence that was supplied about the various aspects of managing the University’s estate, including the engagement of staff and students.

“We hosted Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Corporate Members’ event on campus last year, and they were clearly enthused by what they saw and have subsequently commented on LinkedIn about what we do on campus.”

More info

Read more about the work of our Grounds and Gardens team and Residential Services in keeping campus looking its best.

You can also find out more about volunteering for the Hill Well Wood Project.

image of staff at the Brownlee Centre

New Brownlee Centre heat pumps power University’s net zero drive

Last updated on 6 September 2024

New electrically powered heat pumps at the Brownlee Centre are being switched on as the University ramps up activity to support its net zero goals.

The new pumps replace the previous wood pellet and oil boilers and are the final step towards electrifying the Brownlee Centre and the rest of the Bodington complex.

The installation of the pumps means that the centre, along with the rest of the Bodington complex, are now fully electrified.

Work on the site has been ongoing throughout 2024, as part of collaborative net zero work between Sustainability and Estates.

The move from the previous primary heat sources to an all-electric heat pump solution will save the University around 58,850Kg and 2,610Kg of direct and indirect CO2 per year, respectively.

The project is part of the university’s Net Zero Delivery Plan, which sets out how we will deliver reductions of more than 35,000 tonnes of CO2e per year by 2030.

The bulk of emissions reductions will be driven through changes to the way we heat and power our buildings.

This requires changes to our building infrastructure to reduce the amount of energy that we use and ensure that the energy we do use is from renewable sources.

The Estates team’s engineering section have worked with specialists VWG Group to complete the project since February this year.

A successful funding application by the team to the Government’s Salix fund was also key in delivering the project.

Salix is a government-owned organisation that delivers funding schemes to help the public sector reduce their carbon emissions in line with the UK’s 2050 net zero target.

David Oldroyd, Interim Deputy Director of Development said: “This major work is an important step towards us significantly reducing annual emissions from our estate.

“Several more projects are already underway, with more planned, that will enable us to reach the targets outlined in the Net Zero Delivery Plan.

“Thanks to our contractors, VWG Group, who worked efficiently and quickly to get this work completed before the start of the new academic year.”

Staff and students can find out more about our Net Zero Delivery Plan, and what they can do to support the Climate Plan, at the Climate Plan Sharepoint Hub (University login required).

 

farida with university of leeds lecturer

Student-celebrating plaques installed on campus

Last updated on 9 July 2024

Staff, students, and visitors to campus may notice some new additions alongside the University’s blue plaques – with one key difference.

The first group of new green plaques, which recognise the influential role students have played in developing important campus projects, have been installed at four University locations.

Student-led projects being celebrated include the accessible lift in the Parkinson building, the Postgraduate Research Lounge, the Women in STEM Conference and a common lounge for commuter students.

Improving campus for everyone

Similar in style to the well-established blue plaque initiative, each details the role individual students have made towards getting a project off the ground, whether through activism, campaigning or by working with Leeds University Union.

The scheme has been developed by the Estates team and Leeds University Union to recognise the contributions students are making to the future development of campus.

Ann Allen, Director of Campus Innovation & Development said:

“Our campus is only relevant because of all the amazing things our students and staff undertake here at Leeds. Celebrating the successes through the Green Plaques is so exciting as it makes both people and place relevant.

“As we reshape the campus through Campus Reimagined we want to keep learning from all our University communities to make sure we are achieving our aim of creating amazing spaces on campus that are sustainable, inclusive, and innovative.”

Where can I find the plaques?

The first plaque is located at the entrance of the new Postgraduate Research Lounge on the second floor of the Refectory.

It marks the work carried out by Polly Galis, Abiha Khan, Vicky Zhuo and Rimsha to lobby for a dedicated space for postgraduate researchers.

green plaque located at Postgraduate Research Lounge

The second plaque is located in EC Stoner.

It recognises Susan Preston’s work in campaigning for more inclusion for commuter students, include the creation of a specialised common lounge.

green plaque at EC Stoner

Another plaque has been installed outside of the Mechanical Engineering Building.

It details Farida Al Wakeel’s work to create the Women in STEM Conference.

green plaque at Mechanical Engineering Building

The final plaque is located outside of the Parkinson Building,.

It celebrates Gem Turner’s successful campaign to install an accessible lift outside of the building.

green plaque outside Parkinson building

Read more about the green plaque initiative.

geothermal worksite at Henry Price

Geothermal drilling wraps up on campus

Last updated on 16 July 2024

After over five months of work on eight boreholes across campus, scheduled drilling on the University’s landmark geothermal energy project has been completed.

The work, co-led by Estates and the Sustainability Service, is testing the potential to use underground heat to contribute to our heating systems.

Specialists in the Estates team have been working alongside contractors from ANTS Group and engineering firm Buro Happold to complete borehole drilling to depths of 150m to 250m.

Findings set to be revealed

Researchers from the University’s Geosolutions Leeds centre are now analysing the data collected and will reveal their findings later this summer.

Early testing of open and closed-loop boreholes has shown positive indications of the potential to develop a geothermal heat pump system on campus.

If successful, it could provide an approach which can be used across the region and the rest of the UK.

Drilling work began in February at locations around campus, including the Henry Price hall of residence, and the Maurice Keyworth and Mechanical Engineering buildings.

Working on Net Zero

The work forms part of the Net Zero Delivery Plan, which sets out the key projects that will help achieve the University’s target of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

David Oldroyd, Deputy Director of Development at the University of Leeds, said: “Colleagues in Estates have worked alongside specialist contractors to keep disruption to a minimum and allow experts from Geosolutions Leeds speedy access to the data they need to determine the project’s success.

“This work has the potential to provide a more sustainable way of heating campus in line with the University’s Net Zero goals and set an example for future energy innovation.”

The sites where work is taking place will be restored to normal use by mid-summer.

Find out more by visiting our project page and the Sustainability Services’s website.