Refurb complete for Leeds College of Building
Lodestone Projects undertook the £750,000 scheme, which focused on the North Street campus.
Design consultant Fuse Studios oversaw the interior design, with Turner & Townsend appointed for project and cost management.
Part of an upgrade programme to align the site with the college’s modern South Bank Campus, the renovation took eight weeks.
The second phase of the 56,000 sq ft South Bank campus was completed in 2019 and was carried out by the same project team.
During this refurbishment, the former library was turned into an enrichment area, with a gaming area, TV lounge, coworking space, and study area. The room can also be reconfigured to accommodate 80 tables for exam space.
Emphasis was placed on making the building more accessible, and the reception and café areas have had new flooring, power, and coatings.
The upper levels of the building were redesigned to create a learning resource centre, additional teaching spaces, support rooms, and a staff training room in place of the old student common room.
Josh Donnelly, joint managing director at Lodestone, said: “This has been such a rewarding and nostalgic project for Lodestone staff, given how many of our employees are current or former apprentices at Leeds College of Building.
“It was great to give something back to the institution that taught our professionals the skills needed to succeed in the construction industry.”
Mike Harris, director at Fuse Studios, said: “The intention was to bring some of the design principles established with the College’s South Bank Campus buildings, also designed by Fuse Studios, to North Street, and so enrich the students’ learning environment.”
Leeds College of Building vice-principal – finance & resources, David Pullein, said: “We’re thrilled that our established partners Lodestone, Fuse Studios, and Turner & Townsend once again helped us to achieve our vision of creating accessible, modern student facilities… It’s vital we offer exceptional and inclusive learning environments to attract the diverse workforce needed to meet huge industry demands.”
