Posted 23 October 2025

University Centre Leeds is preparing to open the doors to its brand-new Mabgate campus in November 2025. It is a milestone development that promises to transform the student experience, enhance teaching provision, and contribute to the regeneration of one of Leeds’ most dynamic districts. 

Part of a £27 million investment by Luminate Education Group, the new five-storey University Centre Leeds building forms the centrepiece of a wider development that also includes a dedicated Leeds City College adult learning facility and upgraded studio space for Leeds Conservatoire. Together, the new spaces will deliver more than 70,000 square feet of high-quality education and training facilities. 

The new campus has been designed with sustainability and inclusivity at its heart. Energy-efficient systems, low-carbon heating and carefully considered open plan learning environments will create modern, adaptable spaces where students can thrive. The building will house specialist teaching and research facilities, including biomedical science labs, creative arts studios, a business innovation suite, counselling and wellbeing spaces, and a digital innovation hub. Students will also benefit from flexible study pods, sensory rooms, breakout areas, and bookable spaces designed for collaborative working and social interaction. 

The area itself is undergoing major regeneration. Mabgate has a growing reputation as a creative and arts-friendly neighbourhood with independent studios, maker spaces, community arts activity, and small businesses. University Centre Leeds will play a leading role in shaping this new chapter of the city’s growth. 

The move has been shaped by extensive consultation with students, staff, and governors over the past three years. Feedback has informed everything from the design of quiet spaces to the look and feel of social areas, ensuring the new campus reflects the needs of the diverse student community. Ahead of the official opening, current students will be invited to campus tours, including tailored sessions for those who may benefit from a quieter introduction to the space. 

Building for the future of college-based HE

This year marks a particularly exciting moment in the institution’s history. In December 2024, University Centre Leeds was granted full degree-awarding powers – recognition of its ability to deliver higher education to the highest standards. From September 2025, University Centre Leeds has offered its own three-year bachelor’s degrees for the first time, alongside new BA and BSc programmes developed to meet local and national skills needs. 

Dean of Higher Education, Rebecca Fores, explained: “Being able to launch our own degree programmes from a brand-new, purpose-built campus at Mabgate truly marks a momentous occasion for our staff and students. These modern facilities will not only improve the quality of our provision but also strengthen our partnerships with employers, enhance credibility, and make University Centre Leeds an even more attractive choice for future learners.” 

 

Laura Macgregor, Group Access and Participation Manager, University Centre Leeds and Leeds Conservatoire