The University of Leeds has commissioned a Masterplan Framework for its main campus that will articulate the University’s future vision and drive a long-term programme of transformation. 

Our team has been appointed to a team of nine consultants, led by Prior + Partners, and together we will work in close collaboration with the University to bring forward the proposals. 

The Campus Reimagined Masterplan Framework is the University of Leeds’ response to the global shift in how we design and experience academic campuses.  

It is also their recognition of the opportunities that exist to enhance the existing physical environment of the 100-acre main campus to offer a more compelling student experience, and support the University’s active role in the cultural and social capital and economic growth of the wider city and region. 

Prior + Partners will oversee a consortium of nine consultancies, including: our Civic Engineers team in Leeds, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, DNCO, Alan Baxter Ltd, Expedition, Gardiner & Theobald, Evolve Digital Workplaces and Kate McLaren Design and re-form landscape architecture. 

Together, this team will bring diverse expertise from across the university and design sector to deliver a Masterplan Framework that will become a crucial tool for future-proofing the University, ensuring the campus environment and experience supports the evolving needs of students, Faculty, Facilities Directorate staff, and visitors for decades to come.  

The appointment forms part of the University’s wider Campus Reimagined project which seeks to look at the campus through the lens of lived experience and not just a set of buildings. As part of this, the University are re-framing how the campus works as a community and introducing a new way of thinking and linking through a new decision-making process This ties in closely with the ongoing engagement programme that will be a core principle throughout the Masterplan Framework process, where the outputs will be closely guided by the evidence and dialogue with the University’s staff and students. 

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.” 

Leah Stuart, Director in our Leeds studio, said: “Not only does the University of Leeds drive significant benefits for the local community, city region and economy in the North, it also has a fundamental role to play in fostering the many new skills we need for the world of tomorrow. The masterplan framework will provide a bright, sustainable future for the University and city more widely for decades to come. We’re immensely proud to share our expertise in public realm, transport, placemaking and engaging with the community as part of the design team appointed to shape it.” 

Established in 1874 as the Yorkshire College of Science, the University is now one of the largest and most diverse campuses in the UK, catering to more than 40,000 students and 10,000 staff.  

The estate’s buildings reflect the styles prevalent during the University’s major expansion phases, including the ‘redbrick’ designs of Alfred Waterhouse and the brutalist style of Chamberlin Powell & Bon. Although significant in terms of architectural heritage, many of these buildings present challenges in terms of space-use as well as climatic impact and performance, which the Framework Masterplan will aim to thoughtfully respond to. 

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