Plans have been submitted for a £20m refurbishment of a number of buildings located at the University of Leeds campus…
A planning application has been submitted to transform four interconnected buildings at the University of Leeds. The buildings range from the early 1900s to the late 1990s and have grown organically over time to meet changing demands and needs.
The Leeds University Student Union, which covers around 130,000 sq ft across four units, provides a range of facilities including bars, offices, performance venue theatres, and a nightclub.
Plans were put together by DLA Architects. The application is seeking permission to refurbish and extend parts of the existing building, as it is no longer fit for purpose. Funding has been secured to develop key areas of the building to ensure it remains competitive with other student union facilities throughout the country.
The application comprises of plans to refurbish the existing theatre spaces, as well as the creation of a new Arts Quarter. A new southern entrance to the rear of the building will also be built.
The plans will also see a new terrace bar conservatory installed, with a similar aesthetic to the proposed south entrance extension. This will include a covered seating area for the winter, but with the flexibility to open it to the elements in the summer.
If planning permission is granted the refurbishment and extension of the student union will be carried out in three phases. This will enable the university to keep the building functioning throughout the year.
This will mean completion of the project will take place at separate times to suit the requirements of the student union, which will remain in use during the building process. This will be discussed in detail with the appointed contractor after the tender process.
It is expected work will start on the project later this year.