Prior + Partners appointed to lead a Masterplan Framework for the University of Leeds

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 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.

Following a 3-stage competitive public procurement process – which included a longlist of 54 applicants – Prior + Partners have been selected as the preferred partner to lead the Masterplan Framework. In this role, we will oversee a wider consortium of nine consultancies, including: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, DNCO, Alan Baxter Ltd, Expedition, Gardiner & Theobald, Evolve Digital Workplaces and Kate McLaren Design, along with Leeds-based practices re-form landscape architecture and Civic Engineers.

Together our 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.

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 University of Leeds also operates in a competitive international environment where attracting staff, researchers, funding and students becomes crucial for a successfully enduring institution. It needs to continually improve, to continue to deliver what people need from their working, social and learning environments and meet what their expectations are.

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, adds:

“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.

In bringing the Masterplan Framework together, we’re excited to be embarking on a collaborative journey with the University as well as our wider design team who bring extensive experience in shaping cities, places, buildings and spaces for universities, city authorities, and major institutional partners. Projects at the Universities of Glasgow, Leeds, Aberystwyth and Amsterdam, and for Google in California, demonstrate our local, national and international track record which will inform our understanding of and approach to the layers of social and built fabric in and around the campus at Leeds.”

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