University of Leeds officially opens the new £26m Laidlaw Library

Shepherd, a leading built environment specialist, has handed over the new £26m Laidlaw Library to the University of Leed to mark the state-of-the-art facility’s official opening.

This purpose-built learning environment, one of the most high-profile elements of the university’s transformative improvement programme, will provide nearly 1,000 extra library seats for students.

The Laidlaw Library development was heavily funded through donations from University of Leeds alumni and is named in recognition of Lord Irvine Laidlaw’s gift of £9m in support of the project.

The new facility will provide an innovative learning space for students and reduce pressure on the University campus’s existing library facilities, particularly at certain times of year such as exam periods.

Based on Woodhouse Lane, the facility was delivered by Shepherd’s construction and engineering services teams and will also feature areas for group work and quiet studying, dedicated IT and media zones, on site academic skills support and a café.

The library will not only benefit students but also the wider Leeds community through the inclusion of a multi-purpose and dedicated community room.

After being awarded with an ‘excellent’ BREEAM rating, reflecting outstanding sustainability and environmental credentials, the library will also boast a green planting roof and solar panels, which will be used to generate much of its electricity.

Dave Carter, Shepherd Construction project manager, said: “Perfectly located on the University’s campus, this landmark project represents a hugely significant boost to Leeds’ education offer.

“This project’s significance is underlined by the inspiring and generous financial support donated by the University’s alumni.

“The opening is the culminating milestone on the journey to creating a legacy of unique learning environments for the students of the University of Leeds and we’re extremely proud to play a leading role in delivering these facilities.

“This has been a complex project with the added challenge of a busy city centre location. We’ve now finished the external works to the front of the building, and have supported the University with additional works as they moved into their new library.“ Â

Dennis Hopper, director of facilities management at the University of Leeds, added: “This outstanding facility is of enormous benefit to both the University’s students and the wider Leeds community. It will support student learning for years to come by providing an invaluable gateway to information and a stimulating study environment.

“Right from its initial proposal, the library project has certainly captured the imaginations of our students, staff, alumni and local community. It is testament to the work of the University’s team, Shepherd and all our partners, that we believe the project has delivered such an outstanding addition to the campus.“