Great progress for Campus Reimagined programme

Student and staff suggestions from the Campus Reimagined Live! event in February have fed into the long-term plan for campus, alongside data from a new, in-depth series of surveys.

These surveys have included a study to understand more about how spaces in buildings are used around the University.

Space utilisation survey

Forty buildings were chosen as representative of four main functions – teaching, learning, office and central amenity spaces.

Working with Evolve Digital Workspaces, under the leadership of masterplanning and economics consultancy Prior + Partners, 4,380 spaces were subject to 350,381 observations over two weeks in March 2025.

The study, which captured anonymous data on how – and how efficiently – each space was being used, found that learning spaces such as libraries had the highest rate of usage: 80% at their peak with an average of 63%.

Usage was much more varied for central amenity spaces such as cafes, with office space the lowest in terms of average time at 33%.

Other surveys

Alongside this, the masterplanners have been studying the heritage, adaptability, condition, and climate resilience of our buildings.

They have also been reviewing the servicing, wayfinding, and accessibility of the spaces in between them.

The findings from these surveys all contribute towards our masterplan framework.

What is a masterplan framework?

A masterplan framework provides a strategic basis for the future development of a specific area. As a document that sets out principles and guidelines, it acts as a blueprint, setting the stage for more detailed planning and development activities.

It is expected that the Campus Reimagined masterplan framework will be complete in summer 2026.

Jen Wilson, Director of Campus Innovation: Masterplanning, Asset Management and Sustainability in the Facilities Directorate said:

“The work of the Campus Reimagined programme is critical to our university campus of the future.

“I want to thank colleagues for their cooperation and engagement in this exciting process. As we progress the masterplan framework, there will be more opportunities for staff and students to engage with the ideas that arise.

“This is a critical part of the process, as we understand the importance of campus in underpinning a sense of belonging, while also supporting the University’s active role in the cultural, social and economic growth of Leeds and the wider region.”

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To find out about Campus Reimagined mini projects and to vote for your favourites from 9-15 June, head over to the Vote or Veto page.