Leeds College of Art has been a rite of passage for some of the world’s most decorated artists, including Barbara Hepworth, Damien Hirst, Danny Sangra and Thomas Houseago.

With its Blenheim Walk site close to capacity, DLA Design are working alongside the college to ensure it can grow to meet the ongoing demand for places and inspire future students.

Approval has now been granted for the development of this next generation environment for art and design education totaling 62,250 sq ft. The scheme will nurture talent with a state-of-the-art auditorium, group study space and breakout areas with a new library and an exhibition space to showcase the creativity of students. An ancillary café and new public art gallery will encourage wider engagement in the college, while meeting rooms and an enterprise centre will be the main focus of the college’s engagement with regional businesses as part of its ambitious employability agenda for students and alumni. 

Reimaging the site on an existing Blenheim Walk car park, it will act as a natural extension to the campus, connecting the art college with Leeds Beckett’s Broadcasting Place, Leeds University’s Parkinson building and the wider historic campus around St George’s Field.

Client : Leeds College of Art