Member Article

Leeds Trinity University unveils new campus plans

One of the UK’s top universities for employability and student satisfaction, Leeds Trinity University, has been given the green light on its new, £10million development, following planning permission being granted by Leeds City Council.

The improvements to the campus in Horsforth, which are being implemented by construction firm, Morgan Sindall, will include new student accommodation and outdoor changing facilities.

The former Students’ Union headquarters will be demolished, along with an existing outdoor changing room facility, to make way for a new accommodation block which, once built, will have the capacity to house 228 Leeds Trinity University students.

The new living space will comprise 29 cluster flats, plus a sizeable communal space. The block will also include internal and external social areas, a courtyard, and a coffee lounge, as well as a laundrette and a one-stop-shop for residents.

A new, single storey outdoor changing facility, which has been designed with a low pitched inverted roof to minimise visual impact, will be built next to Leeds Trinity University’s 3G Astroturf Pitch to replace the old changing room. This facility will be constructed to complement the style and design of existing buildings around campus, and will feature an integrated access control system to ensure student safety, as well as boasting external lighting and security cameras.

Speaking about the new campus developments, Stephen Oddy, Director of Facilities at Leeds Trinity University, said: “These latest proposals highlight Leeds Trinity University’s commitment to developing and sustaining a campus that reflects its ambitions as a growing institution, as well as providing an aesthetically pleasing, sustainable environment that our staff, students and the local community can be proud of.

“The submission of these plans follows a welcome increase in student applications at the University over recent years. Currently there are approximately 3,200 students on campus, with an estimated 1,000 additional students expected to join over the next five years.

“The University is committed to providing its students with the best experience possible by continually investing in ongoing improvements to the campus buildings and facilities. The new accommodation will vastly improve campus life and ensure students have everything they need in one place.”

The demolition work of the old SU building has begun while the campus improvements, including the construction of the new accommodation building and outdoor changing facility, are due to be completed by September 2016.

In fewer than 50 years, Leeds Trinity University has transformed itself from two small Catholic teacher training colleges to an acclaimed university with an excellent track record for launching the careers of its students.

Stephen continued: “It’s great to see the incredible transformation of the campus over the years and we’re looking forward to future projects and to continue equipping the University with contemporary buildings and state of the art facilities. It’s important that all constructions meet the highest standards of sustainability and that is something we will always strive to maintain. There are some very exciting projects forthcoming and we’re looking forward to continuing Leeds Trinity’s progression and innovation.”

Other developments in the pipeline for Leeds Trinity University include additional social spaces, further enhancement to learning and teaching provisions and group study spaces, along with the expansion of the dining room, which will offer students improved catering and social facilities. There are also plans for an extension to one of the learning centres, which would provide additional teaching space.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Beattie .