A university in Leeds is set to open a new campus in the city centre in a bid to drive growth for the city.
Leeds Trinity University, which currently has a campus in Horsforth, has secured a lease for a “neglected” building, 1 Trevelyan Square, off Boar Lane.
The new city centre campus will welcome new students in the 2024/5 academic year but the Horsforth campus will continue to be central to its offer courses that are being designed to respond to key public sector workforce needs in the city, a spokesperson for the university has said.
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The new 57,000 square foot campus is also part of the university’s Strategic Plan 2021-26, which seeks to develop engagement in the Leeds City Region, a spokesperson added.
Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: “I am delighted to confirm that we are at the early stages of establishing a city centre location at 1 Trevelyan Square, Leeds, to complement our campus in Horsforth.
“Colleagues involved in this process have been hugely impressed by the potential of the building, the opportunities it will provide for our future students, and our ability to align with city-based partners and businesses as a career-led University.
“Leeds Trinity remains fully committed to Horsforth, which will continue to offer students a supportive and engaging experience. Overall, this is a significant investment by the University, which will support our strategic ambitions to drive growth.”
This news comes as Leeds Trinity University was ranked top for student experience in Yorkshire and the Humber and second for teaching quality in the region, in The Times and Sunday Times Good Universities Guide 2023.
It was also placed in the UK for student experience and joint 24th for teaching quality, reflecting high rates of student satisfaction in the latest National Student Survey (NSS).
Jamie Hanley, Chair of the Board of Governors at Leeds Trinity University, added: “This is a hugely important moment in the history of Leeds Trinity University. The intention to complement the existing campus in Horsforth with a presence in Leeds city centre demonstrates real ambition, the potential for collaboration and a long-term commitment to our great Leeds City Region.
“Under Professor Egbu’s leadership, it is clear that our University is firmly focused on the future, on delivering exceptional opportunities for our students and on the contribution we can make to enhance outcomes for all in our community. The Board fully supports this exciting step and I very much look forward to working with Charles and our Executive team on this significant project."
1 Trevelyan Square is owned by leading UK property company Kinrise. The Leeds office of property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) supported Leeds Trinity University with its search for a building.
Kinrise co-founder Samuel Lawson Johnston said: “Our partnership with Leeds Trinity University is a brilliant opportunity for us to continue in our mission to create human, social, environmental and economic value in the heart of this magnificent city. This fresh investment in the city will enable us to closely connect the business, academic and social sectors, helping us to continue to contribute to the future of Leeds’ unique culture.
“In the wider context, the arrival of the University to Trevelyan Square will revitalise a key part of central Leeds and will help to transform a neglected two-acre site into a thriving community destination. We are proud to play our part in revitalising Boar Lane, with the development of both Ambler House, adjacent to Trevelyan Square and 34 Boar Lane, as future-fit work and social spaces.”
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