Work under way at Leeds creative arts building

Leeds Beckett University’s Creative Arts building is the first development in a £200m investment scheme at the institution, which is set to transform its city centre and Headingley campuses over the next five years.

The state-of-the-art Creative Arts building will be home to the university’s School of Film, Music and Performing Arts, plus the fashion department.

It will house a performance theatre, 220-seat cinema, and specialist studios for fashion, music, film and television.

Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor, said: “Through the outstanding creative education and training we supply to 1,800 students per year, the innovative research and knowledge exchange we pursue within the industry and through the opportunities we provide for networking, Leeds Beckett University is a major contributor to the success of the cultural and creative industries of Leeds and the ‘creative conurbation’ which is developing in the greater North.

“Our £80m investment in these world leading facilities will further enhance our positive social, cultural and economic impact.”

The Creative Arts building on Portland Way will sit in the heart of Leeds’s Civic Quarter in the new ‘Innovation District’ of city. The district is a partnership between Leeds Beckett University, the University of Leeds, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the council. It aims to drive economic development and regeneration, and also provide a range of quality work spaces and upmarket housing to attract and retain skilled workers in the city. The Creative Arts building is expected to be completed by September 2020.