GMI Construction Group has secured a £27m contract to expand Leeds City College’s new Mabgate campus, bringing a once derelict space back into use
Mabgate campus already holds Leeds City College’s School of Events, Enterprise and Employability, as well as studio space for Leeds Conservatoire, which are both members of Luminate Education Group.
The development will transform and create around 70,000 sq ft of new learning spaces, while contributing to the regeneration of the area and providing community resources.
Chris Weathers, Group commercial director at GMI Construction, said: “We are exceptionally proud to have secured this project to support the expansion of this Leeds City College centre and the regeneration of this part of our home city.
“It also represents part of our strategy to further grow our presence in public sector construction.”
Works on the Mabgate campus began last month
Demolition has begun on existing buildings fronting onto Mabgate campus, which will allow for the construction of a new fire storey campus for University Centre Leeds and a new building for Leeds City College’s English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) provision, replacing the Enfield Centre, which will both operate as education facilities.
As part of the construction of the ESOL building, GMI will also build a new atrium cafeteria, which will be located between the new building and the existing converted warehouse space, which is the hub of the Mabgate Centre, providing eco-friendly open-plan learning spaces and specially designed classrooms.
GMI will also undertake the refurbishment of the historic building, Studio 24, which is a popular arts and events space located within a former industrial building.
The works are an important part of Leeds’ urban regeneration
David Warren, Group vice principal of development at Luminate Education Group, said: “These new developments at Mabgate form part of our commitment to supporting our members to deliver outstanding opportunities for learners. Both new buildings will replace old buildings in poor condition and we are delighted that significant funding was provided to us by the Department for Education through their capital transformation funding programme.
“The University Centre Leeds building will replace its current site at Park Lane, providing students with cutting-edge facilities, while the new space for Leeds City College’s in-demand ESOL provision will allow even more adults and young people to access vital English skills, in this expanded space.
“We’re pleased that this next phase of development consolidates our plans to support the regeneration of this up-and-coming part of Leeds, and hopefully attracts further investment in the area.”
