Campus improvements – creating spaces to thrive
Last updated on 29 September 2025
Work is progressing at pace across campus as we continue to create more welcoming, accessible and modern areas for students and colleagues.
From new social areas and upgraded teaching labs to welcoming entrances and drop-in facilities, this phase of our £32 million campus improvement project is well underway, with several projects completing in the coming autumn.
Mark Wilson, Development Project Manager (Capital Improvement Programme), said:
“This work is about creating spaces for students that help them to feel comfortable and inspired, now and in the future. It’s great to see them taking shape.”
The Social Sciences Building is having a full refurbishment of the entrance spaces.
Supporting student experience and connection
The new student-focused spaces taking shape include:
A room on Red Route near the School of Mathematics is being fully refurbished to create a welcoming hub to give students a more relaxed and accessible experience: less formal than a library, and with a dedicated kitchen area to get a drink, eat lunch from home or simply take a break.
Soft seating, plenty of plug sockets and zones for both quiet study and group work will make it a flexible, comfortable space to pause and recharge.
The concept builds on similar spaces already introduced in the Worsley Building, which have been enthusiastically received by students and staff, calling for more areas that reflect how students want to live and learn.
The Chaston Chapman Lounge in the School of Chemistry is being redesigned to create a more relaxed, contemporary feel, again following feedback from students.
A muted colour palette and all-new flexible furniture will create an adaptable space, ideal for daily use and School events. The refurbishment is due to be completed by the end of October 2025.
The Chaston Chapman Lounge in the School of Chemistry is being redesigned
Creating improved spaces for teaching and research
Research spaces are also being upgraded with a state-of-the-art biology lab in LC Miall designed as a flagship to set the standard for future lab spaces across the University.
Mark Wilson said:
“From high-spec equipment to premium finishes, every detail has been considered to deliver a teaching environment with a real wow factor.”
Plumbing and electrical work began on site this week, marking a key milestone in the transformation. The Estates team worked closely with the Faculty of Biological Sciences to understand their needs as the existing lab had become outdated.
Driven by direct feedback from the MBA students at the Business School, work is underway at Maurice Keyworth to transform a series of underutilised smaller offices and seminar rooms into an open-plan space with a kitchenette, pods and collaborative tables.
These have been designed to support a more dynamic and professional learning environment.
With structural works underway and hoardings going up this week, the space is set to open by the end of the year.
Transforming the existing MBA suite for the Leeds University Business School
Improving accessibility and arrival experiences
Creating a campus that’s easier to navigate is central to all our improvement plans. Across several buildings, entrances are being redesigned to enhance accessibility, visibility and the overall experience of everyone who uses them.
Locations for these upgrades include the Social Sciences Building, Michael Sadler, Roger Stevens, Maurice Keyworth and Chemistry buildings. As the new academic year approaches, these upgraded entrances will begin to open up, for everyone to enjoy, with improved seating areas, signage and green spaces.
Stay up to date on our progress through the Estates project pages where information will be regularly updated on all campus improvement work taking place across the campus.
