City centre base plans revealed by university

Leeds Trinity University is to establish a city centre location at 1 Trevelyan Square, Leeds, to complement its campus in Horsforth as part of its strategy for growth.

The university has secured a lease on the 57,000 sq ft building, which is located off Boar Lane, subject to a change of use planning application.

It is anticipated new students will use the facility during the 2024/25 academic year.

The plan to establish a city centre base is part of Leeds Trinity University’s growth ambitions, set out in its Strategic Plan 2021-26.

A city base to complement its existing campus in Horsforth will enable the university to work more closely with key partners and employers to bring new opportunities for its students, contribute to the continued growth of Leeds city centre and support demand for skills.

Professor Charles Egbu, university vice-chancellor, said: “We are at the early stages of establishing a city centre location at 1 Trevelyan Square, Leeds, to complement our campus in Horsforth.

“Colleagues involved in this process have been hugely impressed by the potential of the building, the opportunities it will provide for our future students, and our ability to align with city-based partners and businesses as a career-led university.

“Leeds Trinity remains fully committed to Horsforth, which will continue to offer students a supportive and engaging experience. Overall, this is a significant investment by the university, which will support our strategic ambitions to drive growth.”

Jamie Hanley, chair of the Board of Governors, said: “This is a hugely important moment in the history of Leeds Trinity University.

“The intention to complement the existing campus in Horsforth with a presence in Leeds city centre demonstrates real ambition, the potential for collaboration and a long-term commitment to our great Leeds City Region.”

1 Trevelyan Square is owned by UK property company Kinrise. The Leeds office of property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) supported Leeds Trinity University with its search for a building.

Kinrise co-founder, Samuel Lawson Johnston, said: “Our partnership with Leeds Trinity University is a brilliant opportunity for us to continue in our mission to create human, social, environmental and economic value in the heart of this magnificent city.

“This fresh investment in the city will enable us to closely connect the business, academic and social sectors, helping us to continue to contribute to the future of Leeds’ unique culture.

“In the wider context, the arrival of the University to Trevelyan Square will revitalise a key part of central Leeds and will help to transform a neglected two-acre site into a thriving community destination.”

Richard Corby, head of office for LSH in Leeds and the director leading the instruction for Leeds Trinity, added: “We have worked with Leeds Trinity University since the summer of 2021 to identify and acquire off-market a self-contained building which meets their criteria in respect of a location close to public transport hubs, with a layout suitable for the university’s use.

“No 1 Trevelyan Square has the setting and culture that Leeds Trinity requires.”