The development of a new masterplan framework for the University of Leeds campus will be led by an internationally recognised masterplanning and economics practice.

The University have appointed London-based Prior + Partners to lead the 18-month commission that will ensure that campus supports the changing needs of its users into the future.

Enhancing our campus

The framework will focus on improving the student experience by enhancing existing campus spaces and support the University’s active role in the cultural, social and economic growth of Leeds and the wider region.

It is central to the University’s Campus Reimagined project, which aims to reimagine the campus as a place that evokes in its students and staff a deep sense of belonging.

A wealth of experience

Prior + Partners have extensive experience in shaping cities, places, buildings and spaces for universities, city authorities, and major institutional partners.

They’ve secured commissions from world-class clients including The Crown Estate and Google, as well as public sector bodies including Homes England and the Old Oak Development Cooperation.

(From left to right) Ailsa Gunson, Associate Director at Prior + Partners, Elise Baudon, Director of Masterplanning at Prior + Partners, Jen Wilson, Director of Masterplanning, Asset Management & Sustainability at the University of Leeds and Ann Allen, Director of Campus Innovation & Development at the University of Leeds, take part in a panel discussion at Campus Reimagined Live.

Jen Wilson, Director of Masterplanning, Asset Management & Sustainability at the University of Leeds said: “Reimagining our campus will deliver long term change that will benefit the University and wider city.

“But most importantly, it is about creating a welcoming campus that supports the needs of students for years to come, invoking a sense of belonging and opportunity.

“We’re excited to be working with Prior + Partners who bring a wealth of experience and creativity to the project.”

Elise Baudon, Director of Masterplanning at Prior + Partners said: “As placemakers, we’re inspired by the fundamental role of universities in underpinning the identity of their home cities, helping to create dynamic economies, stronger communities and better futures.

“In the case of Leeds, our enthusiasm is only made greater by the many opportunities and assets this historic University and City has to offer.”

More info

The appointment follows a six-month, three-stage competitive public procurement process which included an original longlist of 54 applicants.

The commission will run for 18 months, with a programme of engagement and an iterative design process running throughout.

Keep up to date with the latest Campus Reimagined news by following us on Instagram and signing up to our newsletter.

Inspiration, hope and big ideas for the future of the University of Leeds were at the forefront of a packed programme of events during Campus Reimagined Live.

Thousands of colleagues and students took the opportunity to think differently about our surroundings – and offer their own suggestions to improve these spaces – during the three-day festival, which was held in Leeds University Union Refectory from 10-12 February.

Sessions brought together more than 25 thinkers from the worlds of architecture, psychology, design and education to offer their own unique perspectives on how our campus can better meet the needs of its users.

Panellists included ‘Sign for Art’ sculptor Professor Keith Wilson, University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection Masud Khokhar, and Elise Baudon, Director of Masterplanning at Prior + Partners – the lead designers developing a new masterplan framework for the University.

The programme of events also featured an introduction to the wider Campus Reimagined project from Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Shearer West, who outlined the importance of creating a campus that “feels like a home away from home”.

Ann Allen, Director of Campus Innovation and Development at Leeds, said: “This event has offered valuable insight into how our colleagues and students feel about campus currently, and what they’d like to see in the future.

“We’ve been fortunate to hear from some brilliant speakers, who’ve broadened our perspectives on the campus experience and provided us with new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.”

Key themes

In-between talks, visitors had the opportunity to ‘run the gauntlet’ through eight different stations in a transformed Refectory.

Each station represented a key theme of the project, providing a different activity for visitors to complete to get them thinking in different ways about campus.

Giant sheets of purple and green paper that hung from the first floor balcony were gradually filled with suggestions and feedback recorded by the Campus Reimagined team.

Next steps

There will be a campus-wide vote on six ‘quick-win’ activities identified during the three days, with details about how to take part communicated to everyone in our University community in due course.

Ann added: “This event is just the beginning, with the vote on six ‘quick-win’ activities followed by the development of our new campus masterplan framework, which will use the ideas, experiences and thoughts recorded during this festival.”

Make sure you’re following the Campus Reimagined Instagram account and sign up for the newsletter to receive all the latest information about the project.