The building will be the focal point for student enterprise and innovation activity on campus. It will also provide a range of key facilities, including space for study and social learning, educational outreach activity, and support for employability, careers and skills development.
The investment is a key part of plans to expand the School of Law and the Leeds University Business School creating an inspirational environment for staff and students, and a welcoming environment for visitors.
The student hub will be situated on University land adjacent to the Maurice Keyworth Building, home of the Business School, and the Liberty Building, home of the School of Law.
Professor Julia Bennell, Deputy Dean of Leeds University Business School, said: “The University provides an outstanding educational experience for all of our students and the student hub will enhance this by bringing together support for student enterprise, innovation skills development and careers in one exceptional space.
“The creation of innovative and sustainable educational space will also give the School of Law and the Business School the room that we need to grow. The appointment of an award-winning architectural practice signifies our intent to develop an outstanding building and I look forward to working closely with O’Donnell & Tuomey to develop our vision.”
Irvine Laidlaw, who established the Laidlaw Foundation, studied Economics at Leeds in the 1960s. He has also supported the Laidlaw Library, and an ongoing programme of Laidlaw Scholarships.
Lord Laidlaw said: “The University has a long-standing tradition of welcoming students from less well-off backgrounds to Leeds and helping them to achieve their potential. I am delighted that the Laidlaw Foundation is supporting the development of this building, which reflects my philosophy of education as a driver for social advancement.”
