Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
£80m Leeds School of Arts building shortlisted for Leeds Architecture Awards
The success of the new Leeds School of Arts building underpins the powerful rise of our city as a capital of culture and a thriving creative economy. In the past year alone, renowned artists and partners have worked with the school and used the state-of-the-art facilities, while also creating opportunities for students.
From supporting established artists, like Leeds rapper Graft, on recording and producing upcoming music, to hosting an industry-standard fashion show with top names such as Burberry in the front row, and welcoming Northern Opera Group for rehearsals and live performances, LSA has rapidly established itself as a cultural hub in the city.
The LSA building is fast becoming an integral part of the growing arts and culture scene in the city and has helped to secure the future of the arts in Leeds. It offers the ideal platform for the filmmakers, artists, architects, and musicians of tomorrow. With state-of-the-art technical equipment, bright studio spaces, and places to showcase and perform, it nurtures home-grown skills and ideas.
Dr Oliver Bray, Dean of Leeds School of Arts, said: “We are delighted to see the Leeds School of Arts building shortlisted for the Leeds Architecture Awards. Leeds School of Arts has an unbelievably rich and powerful history that dates back 170 years, and it is now one of the largest higher education art schools in the North. This is not just a building. It is a symbol, it is us shouting loud and clear that culture matters, it transforms lives, and it makes the world better. I am proud to see our investment in the talent and innovation of our students and staff recognised by the city.”
The state-of-the-art building, which is located on Portland Street, Leeds Beckett University City Campus, helps cement the university’s presence in the heart of Leeds and has been the new home for many of the creative arts subjects offered by the university. The building supports more than 2500 students and 100 staff studying, teaching, and producing research in: film, TV, technology, sound, music, drama, dance, and fashion. It has been designed by the internationally renowned architectural practice Hawkins\Brown and was constructed by development partner Downing.
Facilities include a professional standard recording studio, 180-seat performance theatre, a 220-seat Dolby Atmos movie cinema, as well as dedicated TV, film, green screen, and black box studios. There are also multiple editing suites, rehearsal and make-up rooms, and performance spaces.
The winners of the Leeds Architecture Awards will be announced in November 2023.