New space for Health Sciences Library open
One of the main study spaces in the Health Sciences Library has been transformed into a collaborative learning area following consultation with students. Read more
£32 million programme to upgrade campus spaces begins
A £32 million Estates-led programme to create an upgraded campus experience for students by revitalising key spaces is underway.
The laboratories within the University’s LC Miall Building are the first of more than 20 existing spaces that will be refreshed as part of the programme.
The first strand of work, which started on Monday 31 March, sees the replacement of outdated audio-visual equipment within the laboratories.
A major investment spanning the length of the estate, the programme will ensure that campus better meets the needs of the students who use it.
Transformed spaces
More than £2 million is being used to improve accessibility and environment in the Electrical and Electronic, Civil and Mechanical Engineering buildings.
This includes moving entrances, creating more access ramps and improving foyer areas.
New dedicated areas for students will also be created through the programme, including a kitchen and learning space along the University’s Red Route.
The aim is to create a vibrant and welcoming area – including kitchen facilities – in which students can collaborate, study and reflect.
Computer generated imagery of the new student space in EC Stoner
Faculty collaboration
Estates have worked with faculties to identify areas and spaces where improvements could be made to help create a world-class teaching environment.
Work will take place outside of teaching times where possible to minimise disruption students and is continuing into the second half of 2025.
Delivering for students
Ann Allen, Director of Campus Innovation & Development at the University of Leeds said: “The investment in spaces demonstrates our commitment to creating the best possible campus experience for our students as well as staff.
Campus Reimagined can give us a long-term vision, however we want to make sure we continue to invest in our spaces now as well as in the future.”
Ben Hall, Morgan Sindall’s area director for Yorkshire said: “We’re thrilled to be getting started on site at the University of Leeds.
“When put together, the work we undertake will help support the university’s vision of delivering an outstanding student experience.”
The full range of projects is listed on the Estates and Facilities website.
Some are subject to planning permission, and further information will be added as timescales are clarified.
Work underway to restore exterior of historic buildings
The exteriors of University buildings across campus are being revitalised through an essential Estates programme.
The work, which will continue into the second half of 2025, is focused on repairing and restoring the architecture of listed and significant buildings on campus.
Buildings are open and safe to use while work is carried out.
Full schedule of works
Work is underway on the following buildings:
- Worsley – due to complete March 2025
- Roger Stevens Building – due to complete March 2025
- EC Stoner – due to complete first half of 2025
- Irene Manton Building – due to complete first half of 2025
- Garstang Building – due to complete first half of 2025
- Maths, Earth & Environment – due to be complete second half of 2025
- Priestley Building – due to complete second half of 2025
Work will commence on the following buildings later this year:
- Social Sciences Building – due to complete second half of 2025
- Edward Boyle Library – due to complete second half of 2025
Progressing work
The programme began in late 2024 with the Roger Stevens Building and Worsley Building, which are both due to be completed in March.
Several other buildings, including EC Stoner and the Irene Manton Building, are expected be completed in the first half of 2025, with more work planned in the second half of the year.
Preserving historic architecture
Estates are working with engineering and construction specialists Mountain Earth to conduct hammer testing and repairs to areas of concrete on the buildings.
The team have consulted with Leeds City Council’s Conservation Officer to make sure buildings are properly conserved.
New anti-carbonation coatings have been colour-matched to return the exterior of each building to how they first looked after opening.
David Oldroyd, Interim Deputy Director of Development at the University of Leeds, said:
“This work builds on our strategic aim to improve the campus experience for our staff and students.
“While this work is essential, we’re taking extra care, time and effort to restore some of our historic buildings, which helps to make campus a nicer place to be for everyone who uses it.”
Minimising disruption
Estates are working with the timetabling team to move classes most likely to be impacted by the work out of the buildings, reducing the impact on staff and students.
Works will also be paused while exams are taking place.
Where possible, Mountain Earth are using elevating work platforms rather than erecting scaffolding when carrying out repairs to keep noise levels to a minimum.
Keep up-to-date with the work by visiting our project page.
Providing peace of mind during darker evenings
If you’re spending early mornings or evenings on campus over the coming months, you may well be doing so outside of daylight hours.
Leeds is a great place to live, work and study, however it’s worth reminding yourself of the simple steps you can take to provide an extra layer of security and support, especially when it’s dark.
Fast and easy access to support
Make sure you’ve downloaded the SafeZone app, which works when you’re on campus. The app is free, easy to use and is linked directly to the Security team.
Through the app, you can ask for help, or share your location while on campus with the Security team, who will check-in with you to make sure you’re okay if they don’t hear from you.
How to use SafeZone
You can download the SafeZone app for iOS and Android.
To register, please use your University email address – personal email addresses will not work. Providing a photo when prompted is helpful so that responders can identify you.
Sharing your location through the check-in timer
The check-in timer feature allows you to share your location with the Security team. Set the timer, and if the team haven’t heard from you after it has run out, they’ll check in to see if you’re okay.
Extra patrols to keep you safe
The Security team are running an extra patrol, from 6am to 6pm until March, providing added visibility and help for anyone who needs it on campus. This patrol also includes regular checks on our halls of residence.
Contacting the team
You can contact the Security team by using the SafeZone app or by calling 0113 343 5494.
If it’s an emergency, you can reach the team by calling 0113 343 2222, or by calling 999.
January 2025 – cold weather update
A Met Office amber warning for snow is in place across Yorkshire and northern England from the evening of Saturday 4 January until Monday 6 January.
Latest update
Forecasters have said that snow is expected to lead to disruption during Sunday across northern England.
In the event of snowfall, campus is expected to be open, however anyone travelling to and from the University is advised to take extra care.
Clearing snow and ice on campus
Gritting and snow clearing services from the University’s Grounds & Gardens team and external contractors are on standby ahead of any 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, updates on rail via National Rail and updates on buses in the Leeds area via First Bus.
Disruption updates
This page will be regularly updated in the event of overnight ice and snowfall. We’ll also be providing updates through our 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.
If you’re going to be outside over the next few days, make sure you’re wrapped up warm and take extra care.
Maintaining and preserving the Roger Stevens Building
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.
Farming and agricultural experts converge on Research Farm for conference
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.”
November 2024 – cold weather update
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!
University campus scoops hat-trick of prestigious environmental awards
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.
New Brownlee Centre heat pumps power University’s net zero drive
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).
Latest News
New space for Health Sciences Library open16th May 2025 - 12:34 pm
£32 million programme to upgrade campus spaces begins4th April 2025 - 3:24 pm
Work underway to restore exterior of historic buildings7th March 2025 - 3:49 pm
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