University library opens after it closes the books on £26m fundraising

CONSTRUCTION firm Shepherd has completed the £26m Laidlaw Library at the University of Leeds, which opened its doors yesterday.

The purpose-built site is part of the university’s improvement programme, providing seats for 1,000 students.

The Laidlaw Library was funded through donations from University of Leeds almuni, including Lord Irvine Laidlaw’s £9m donation, for which it was named after him.

Shepherd’s construction and engineering services teams collaborated on the facility on Woodhouse Lane.

Dave Carter, Shepherd Construction’s project manager, said: “This landmark project represents a hugely significant boost to Leeds’ education offer.

“This project’s significance is underlined by the inspiring and generous financial support donated by the University’s alumni.

“The opening is the culminating milestone on the journey to creating a legacy of unique learning environments for the students of the University of Leeds and we’re extremely proud to play a leading role in delivering these facilities.

“This has been a complex project with the added challenge of a busy city centre location. We’ve now finished the external works to the front of the building, and have supported the University with additional works as they moved into their new library.

Dennis Hopper, director of facilities management at the University of Leeds, said: “This outstanding facility is of enormous benefit to both the University’s students and the wider Leeds community. It will support student learning for years to come by providing an invaluable gateway to information and a stimulating study environment.

“Right from its initial proposal, the library project has certainly captured the imaginations of our students, staff, alumni and local community. It is testament to the work of the University’s team, Shepherd and all our partners, that we believe the project has delivered such an outstanding addition to the campus.”