A stunning new 'flagship' Library for the University of Leeds has been approved by planners.
Work on the site is scheduled to begin in July, with a view to the library opening its doors to students in early 2015.The four-storey, landmark building will have entrances on Woodhouse Lane and Hillary Place. It has been designed to complement its surroundings, incorporating a Portland stone finish that echoes the iconic Parkinson Building.
The library will have 1000 study spaces, most with power points to support laptop use, and WiFi throughout the building. The plans also include around five kilometres of shelving to accommodate core textbooks, two training rooms, an attractive café, and over 170 fixed PCs.
“The new Library will provide our students with a state-of-the-art, high-quality study environment,” said the University’s Librarian Stella Butler. “It will have attractive, flexible and varied spaces to accommodate different learning styles, and is designed to support group work through appropriate spaces and integrated technology, as well as providing a large number of seats for silent study.”
“University students and staff are tremendously excited about the new building and we are really looking forward to seeing it take shape,” she added. “When complete, the Library will provide a world-class learning environment that befits a world-class university like Leeds.”
Professor Vivien Jones, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Education, said: “This exciting investment in the new Library is a measure of our commitment to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students. Our library provision at Leeds is already among the very best in the country. This new development maintains that world-class tradition for the 21st century.”
Josh Smith, Leeds University Union’s Education Officer said: “I am delighted to have been a part of the project team for the new library and I am excited for students to have access to what will be a very up to date building to study in and use as a resource. Good quality library space is always going to be a priority for students, which is why this new facility is going to be a fantastic addition to campus.”