Tilbury Douglas has been appointed by Leeds Beckett University, via the PAGABO Framework, to lead the construction of the Law School scheme. This is the business’ second live project for the University, having also been selected to lead the Caedmon Hall scheme at Leeds Beckett’s Headingley Campus.
This project will establish an academic ‘home’ for Leeds Law School, with the building providing enhanced dedicated teaching, research, and specialist facilities for students and staff. The project is part of a multi-million pound investment by Leeds Beckett University in improving and expanding its Law School facilities.
Leeds Beckett University places huge importance on its role as an Anchor Institution, using its presence as one of the city’s largest public sector employers to maximise the benefit it delivers directly and indirectly to local communities.
Leeds Law School is a key educator of legal professionals in the Leeds and West Yorkshire region and works extensively with law firms and other businesses to support students with work placements and provide employers with talented graduates who will energise their team and continue to grow the level of legal expertise within Leeds, cementing its role as the legal capital of the North.
The new Law School building will reflect the growing partnerships of the University with the region and further strengthen Leeds’ position as a legal hub.
Queen Square House sits within a conservation area, one of the two remaining Georgian Squares in Leeds, and is close to Leeds Law School’s pro bono Law Clinic, which operates from 10 Queen Square. A new Harvard-style lecture theatre will be built to the west of the current building, further enhancing the teaching and events which can be delivered by the school.
To improve accessibility, two new lifts and a feature staircase will be introduced in the entrance space. This will become the key circulation hub for the building, giving access to the reception area, Harvard-style lecture theatre, reading room, open access learning area, courtroom, and teaching spaces, as well as additional teaching rooms and specialist facilities on the upper floors of the building.
John Gittins, Regional Managing Director at Tilbury Douglas, said: “As a highly experienced contractor within education environments, we are looking forward to working in collaboration with the University to ensure this project is delivered to a high standard. The new facility will play a key role in providing a hub for Leeds Law School for many years to come.”
Professor Deveral Capps, Dean of Leeds Law School at Leeds Beckett University, said: “We are excited to be working alongside Tilbury Douglas to help bring our new Leeds Law School building to life. The development will further showcase the School as a high-quality legal educator in the region, and help strengthen Leeds’ position as the biggest legal hub in the country outside of London.”
