Leeds Trinity University unveils latest campus development plans
Leeds Trinity University in West Yorkshire is getting ready for some exciting new developments on campus this year. Among the proposed plans are a new block of student accommodation, a new changing facility and an additional learning and teaching block.
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.
Plans for the new student residence follow a welcome increase in student applications over recent years. Currently there are 3,500 students on campus, with an estimated 1,000 additional students joining 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.
To make way for this anticipated building, the University’s outdoor changing rooms and old Students’ Union building will be demolished and replaced with new facilities. The new student accommodation will comprise of 228 bedrooms to keep up with the demand of the anticipated influx of new students over the next five years. The new accommodation will encompass a social learning space, laundrette and communal courtyard. A one-stop-shop for residents will also be based in the building.
The cost of the student accommodation will be formally announced in March this year, as it is likely to change following the design phase. Leeds Trinity University is investing over £9million for the construction of this building.
Stephen Oddy, Leeds Trinity’s Director of Facilities, says: “We are very excited about our development plans for the new student accommodation as it will be a great addition to the university and demonstrates our continued growth over the years. It means we can accommodate a larger number of students that are starting next year and ensure we provide great accommodation for what is often their first time away from home. The improved facilities are expected to meet the highest standards and we have also considered environmental and energy factors. We believe sustainable buildings are an integral part of our construction plans.”
Design work on this project is now well under way, following the submission of the planning application to Leeds City Council in December 2014. It will be assessed by BREAMM to ensure it meets the highest standard of construction and sustainability. A prior approval for the demolition of the Students’ Union and changing rooms has been approved by the council.
Not only is the University renowned for creating aesthetically pleasing buildings with stylish architecture, but it is also committed to sustainability and ensuring that all constructions are environmentally friendly.
Stephen continues; “It will be a busy summer with contractors expected to be on site from July this year and we’re aiming to have the building complete by August 2016, allowing for a month of commissioning before the start of the new academic year in September 2016. The student accommodation will vastly improve campus life and ensure new starters have everything they need in one place.”
As part of the development plans, the University will construct a new outdoor changing facility at an approximate cost of £550,000. This will replace the existing facilities that will be demolished to make way for the new student accommodation. It will be located next to the University’s pitch and playing fields. It will include changing rooms, toilets, referee changing rooms, equipment storage rooms, a plant room and disabled facilities. This project is estimated to be completed by late August this year.
Security is an important aspect for the University and ensuring students feel safe at all times is vital. An integrated access control system will be installed in the new changing facilities, along with external lighting and security cameras.
Stephen adds; “The new outdoor facility has been designed as a single storey building with a low pitched inverted roof to minimise visual impact. We’ve also made sure that it’s constructed to match the style and design of other existing buildings around campus so it is aesthetically pleasing.”
“For added flexibility, we’re installing interconnecting doors between changing rooms to allow more flexibility and extra space which is particularly useful for large teams. As with the student accommodation, the changing facility will take sustainable design into consideration and will exceed the requirements for energy efficient building design.”
Other developments in the pipeline for Leeds Trinity University include additional social spaces, further enhancements to learning and teaching provision, group study spaces, and expansion to the Dining Room with improved catering and social facilities. There are also plans for a possible extension to one of the learning centres, which would provide additional teaching space.
The new constructions follow a string of major investments made by the University over recent years, as demonstrated in the table below.
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Year |
Development |
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2007 |
Leeds Trinity’s sports centre was refurbished and extended to bolster its sports specialism. The indoor facilities include a fitness suite, treatment rooms, a movement and spin studio, a gymnasium that features dance studio facilities and two squash courts.
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2009 |
A site-wide electrical infrastructure upgrade took place including a new eco-friendly combined heat and power plant (CHP) that recycles heat and uses gas to produce electric.
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2010 |
All Saints Court, a-split level student accommodation with en-suite bathrooms and self- catering dining provision, was at the top of the list for this £7million development, with high insulation levels, energy efficient boilers and automatic lighting designed to cut carbon footprint.
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2012 |
A 3G Astroturf pitch was added to Leeds Trinity’s portfolio in 2012. Accredited by FIFA, the pitch utilises synthetic turf and is used for sports, training and coaching courses and competitive matches.
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Other recent developments include a re-fit of the University’s Media Centre. Modifications have been made to the Media Centre’s building to accommodate fully digital operations. The centre has a fully fitted suite of Apple Mac computers, TV studios and a network of edit areas. In addition to this, Leeds Trinity’s Centre for Journalism expanded its teaching and learning space by creating two additional newsrooms for added flexibility.
Stephen commented “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.”