The University has secured a lease on the 57,000 square foot building, which is located just off Boar Lane in the heart of the city, subject to a ‘change of use’ planning application.

It is anticipated that 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, which is underpinned by increasing engagement in the Leeds City Region.

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. 

In addition, by refurbishing an existing building, the University is seeking to contribute to sustainable development in the city centre. 

Leeds Trinity’s campus in Horsforth, located just six miles from Leeds, will continue to be central to its offer – including new programmes in Nursing and Biomedical Science, which are being designed to respond to key public sector workforce needs in the City Region.

This comes as Leeds Trinity University has been ranked top for student experience in Yorkshire and the Humber and second for teaching quality in the region, in The Times and Sunday Times Good Universities Guide 2023. Nationally, the institution was placed 18th in the UK for student experience and joint 24th for teaching quality, reflecting high rates of student satisfaction in the latest National Student Survey (NSS).

Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: “I am delighted to confirm that 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 at Leeds Trinity University, added: “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.

“Under Professor Egbu’s leadership, it is clear that our University is firmly focused on the future, on delivering exceptional opportunities for our students and on the contribution we can make to enhance outcomes for all in our community. The Board fully supports this exciting step and I very much look forward to working with Charles and our Executive team on this significant project."

1 Trevelyan Square is owned by leading 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 explained: “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. We are proud to play our part in revitalising Boar Lane, with the development of both Ambler House, adjacent to Trevelyan Square and 34 Boar Lane, as future-fit work and social spaces.”

Richard Corby, Head of Office for LSH in Leeds and the Director leading the instruction for Leeds Trinity commented: “We have worked closely 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, and No 1 Trevelyan Square has the setting and culture that Leeds Trinity requires.”

For more information on the Leeds Trinity University Strategic Plan, visit the website.