Leeds University embarks on a major programme of development

The University of Leeds is investing over £300 million in new educational, research, residential and leisure facilities. It is one of the biggest capital investment projects in British higher education.

The main projects include a new home for the school of law, accommodation for 500 students, a new energy building and a £28 million refurbishment of the library. There will also be a new swimming pool and a child-care centre.

The new buildings will be environmentally friendly and include cutting-edge green technologies.

This investment programme is the biggest at the university since the 1960s. It will be funded by money from the Higher Education Funding Council for England, university reserves and financing loans.

The £15 million energy building is at the design stage. The new-build work is expected to start in late summer 2009 and be completed by 2010. The £14 million law building is on the same timetable.