Leeds City College set for expansion with new plans submitted

An outline planning application has been submitted which would see the Leeds City College expand, with the addition of a new campus at Mabgate.

The college, part of Luminate Education Group, has submitted plans to transform a currently derelict 275,957 sq ft site into ‘inspirational’ facilities including educational and supporting services, a sports complex and residential development.

The proposal for the development between Macaulay Street and Mabgate has been submitted in response to growing demand for student places in Leeds and will add to the college’s existing city centre campuses, including the recently opened Quarry Hill campus.

Leeds City Council will now consider the plans, designed by Leeds-based architecture practice Cartwright Practice, which propose to balance modern and innovative facilities with the industrial heritage of the area.

If approved, the on-site sports complex will include a roof-top Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) to be used for community purposes, while the residential block will be flexibly designed to accommodate a wide variety of residential properties.

The public can submit their feedback on the outline plans ahead of consultation formally closing on Sunday 13th September.

Bill Jones, Principal at Leeds City College, said: “Our ambition on Mabgate is to deliver a campus which will enhance the learning experience of our students and be widely used by members of the local community.

“These new facilities will complement our existing city centre campuses and provide our students with much needed additional teaching space. The development will bring investment and regeneration to the area and is anticipated to act as a catalyst for further investment in this part of Leeds.”

Joanna Gabrilatsou, Director of Planning at consultants JLL Planning, commented: “The site has received a number of consents for housing schemes over the years, but this proposal would be beneficial to the city’s community, whilst regenerating a redundant brownfield site with state-of-the-art buildings.”