The proposals include high-quality education facilities, a sports complex, office space, and a residential development. Located between Macaulay Street and Mabgate, the scheme would transform a currently derelict site, bringing investment and regeneration to the area whilst helping to provide much-needed community space.
In response to significant growth over the last decade, Leeds City College has invested in new and existing campuses to provide students with 'inspiring education facilities'. As demand for student places continues to grow, the College is looking to add Mabgate Campus to its portfolio of city centre facilities, which includes the recently opened Quarry Hill Campus and Printworks Campus.
Our proposed scheme remains in its early stages of development and an outline planning application, which establishes the principles of the project, has been submitted for approval to Leeds City Council. Whilst further project details will emerge in a future reserved matters application, the current proposals include plans to balance modern and innovative facilities with the industrial heritage of the site. For example, the existing Victorian-era brick building, Studio 24, will be retained and sensitively uplifted to be used as an entrance to the campus.
The on-site sports complex, which will include a roof-top Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and can be used for community purposes, would go some way to meeting the high demand for additional sports facilities in the college. The draft plans also include space for a residential block, which is flexibly designed to accommodate a wide variety of residential properties, and helping to address the housing need in Leeds City Centre.
Residents are being invited to visit www.leedscitycollegemabgate.co.uk, where they can learn more about the proposals and submit their feedback on the outline plans. The consultation will run from August 20th – September 7th.
Bill Jones
Principal at Leeds City College