Plans submitted for construction skills hub

Plans for a new construction training facility aimed at tackling industry skills shortages have taken a major step forward with the submission of a planning application.

Leeds College of Building has lodged proposals with Leeds City Council to transform a site on Melbourne Street into a new Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) facility.

The college acquired the site, next to its North Street Campus, last November.

Spanning 7000sq metres, the proposed facility would increase the size of the college’s estate by around a quarter and include practical training workshops, classrooms and amenity areas for students and staff.

Fuse Studios has been appointed lead designer and architect, working alongside Turner & Townsend, WSP, LDA Design and Andrew Moseley Associates.

Leeds College of Building was named one of England’s first ten CTECs in August 2025 and selected to represent the Yorkshire and Humber region.

The specialist colleges are designed to bring together employers, regional authorities and education and training providers to address construction skills shortages and widen access to careers in the sector.

Bosses say the Leeds facility will support skills development linked to major infrastructure, housing, retrofit and net-zero projects, contributing to a national ambition to train 40,000 additional workers in high-demand trades by 2029.

Chris Duncan, vice principal – finance and resources at Leeds College of Building, said: “The submission of our planning application is a major step forward in delivering transformative investment in construction skills for Leeds, West Yorkshire and beyond. 

“This milestone is the culmination of an extensive programme of stakeholder and curriculum engagement to help design facilities to best meet national and regional skills priorities. 

“The CTEC building will provide the capacity and specialist facilities required to develop the skilled workforce needed to support the Government’s programme of new towns, housing growth, and transport infrastructure projects and help ensure that the economic benefits of major public investment are retained within the region.”

Mike Harris, director at Fuse Studios, added: “Fuse is delighted to be working with Leeds College of Building again, following the successful delivery of the college’s South Bank Campus buildings and more recently, refurbishment projects in the North Street Campus.

“Having worked with the college for over a decade, we have an excellent understanding of the needs of its learners and staff and are bringing this knowledge to the CTEC Building.

 “At a time when the industry is developing innovative solutions for repurposing buildings, it is great for Leeds College of Building to be taking a lead; by creating sustainable, state-of-the-art teaching facilities for tomorrow’s construction professionals within an existing building. 

“When complete, the building, its new landscaped setting and most importantly its occupants, will provide a greater level of vibrancy to this part of the city centre.”

The planning application follows the recent launch of Yorkshire and Humber’s CTEC regional delivery plans at the Royal Armouries Museum, attended by more than 160 representatives from education, construction and local government.

The building project is currently out to tender, with construction expected to begin in early 2027 ahead of completion for the autumn 2028 student intake.

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