exterior shot of Roger Stevens building with blue sky

Work underway to restore exterior of historic buildings

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Last updated on 17 March 2025

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.