Building blocks for growth laid as £11m UTC Leeds plans approved

LEEDS’ £11m University Technical College has hit a milestone after securing planning for their redevelopment of a grade II-listed factory.

Due to be completed in September 2016,  the redevelopment of the Braime Pressings factory on Hunslet Road, has been given the green light.

UTC Leeds will restore surplus space in the factory building into a 55,972 sq ft college to promote engineering and advanced manufacturing techniques for up to 600 students.

125 year-old Braime Pressings are a metal pressings firm supplying the automotive and other industries.

Leeds City College and Leeds College of Building are already based on the South Bank, with construction set to start soon on the new Ruth Gorse Academy.

BAM Construction has been appointed as the main contractor for the redevelopment of space within the original factory building.

Mark Goldstone, head of Business Representation & Policy for the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and a member of the UTC Leeds steering group says: “This is a major milestone for the UTC and moves us one step closer to our opening in September 2016. The fact that the college will be located next to a functioning manufacturing plant is an excellent example of how closely linked the college is to industry.

“Members of the UTC Leeds steering group have been extremely impressed both with the quality of the bid from BAM Construction and with the collaborative approach they have adopted with the project.”

John Scahill, BAM bid manager adds: “We’re excited to be part of the team who are responsible for bringing the first UTC to the region, helping to strengthen the engineering heritage of Leeds.

“We have already had our first major meeting, bringing together all internal stakeholders on the build to make sure everything is ready to go as soon as we break ground so we are able to deliver a fully operational college upon opening in September 2016.”

The planning application was prepared by a consultant team including Leeds planning consultancy Turley, Mott Macdonald and Race Cottam Architects.

Mike Ashworth, associate director at planning consultancy Turley, who submitted the application, said: “The site – a listed building – is perfect for the college and a good example of how older, underused industrial buildings can be reimagined for alternative uses and preserved for generations to come.”