UK property company Kinrise has been advised by Knight Frank on the letting of 1 Trevelyan Square to Leeds Trinity University.
The University is to establish a city centre location to complement its main campus in Horsforth.
It is anticipated that new students will use the facility at the 57,000 sq ft building just off Boar Lane during the 2024/25 academic year.
The establishment of 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.
Eamon Fox, partner and head of office agency at Knight Frank in Leeds, said: “This is a very significant deal for the city of Leeds, one of the biggest in the city this year. The move to relocate students into the very heart of the city’s thriving business quarter has huge potential and will be incredibly beneficial both for the University and the city.
“In these challenging economic times, it is very heartening to facilitate good news. Meanwhile the renaissance of Boar Lane continues apace. This historic street is a fitting location for Leeds Trinity, while this inward investment into Leeds proves, once again, this flourishing city is a magnet for talent.”
Kinrise co-founder Samuel Lawson Johnson 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.”
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 presence in Leeds city centre demonstrates real ambition, the potential for collaboration, and a long-term commitment to our great Leeds City Region.
“It is clear that our University is focused on the future, on delivering exceptional opportunities for our students and 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.”
The Leeds office of Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) supported Leeds Trinity University with its search for a building.
