Leeds College of Building Advances Plans for New Construction Training Centre
Leeds College of Building (LCB) has submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council for a new Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) facility at its recently acquired Melbourne Street site. The project aims to establish a cutting-edge training centre adjacent to the college’s North Street Campus, addressing the increasing demand for skilled professionals in construction and the built environment across the Yorkshire & Humber region.
The proposed 7,000m2 development will expand the LCB estate by approximately 25%, transforming the existing building to include workshops for practical training, classrooms, and amenities for both students and staff. Fuse Studios Ltd has been appointed as lead architect and designer, collaborating with Turner & Townsend for project management and quantity surveying, WSP for planning, structural, and MEP services, LDA Design for landscape architecture, and Andrew Moseley Associates for transport and development planning.
LCB was designated as one of the first ten specialist CTECs in England by the UK government in August 2025, selected to represent the Yorkshire & Humber area. These colleges operate a hub-and-spoke model that connects employers, regional authorities, and education providers to broaden access to construction careers, particularly for underrepresented groups, and to facilitate upskilling for existing workers.
The new facility is expected to contribute significantly to addressing skills shortages related to infrastructure, housing, retrofit, and Net Zero initiatives. It supports a national goal to train an additional 40,000 workers in high-demand trades by 2029. Upon completion, the CTEC building will complement LCB’s recently updated North Street Campus and the modern South Bank Campus, finished in 2019.
Chris Duncan, Vice Principal – Finance & Resources at Leeds College of Building, stated: “The submission of our planning application is a major step forward in delivering transformative investment in construction skills for Leeds, West Yorkshire and beyond. This milestone is the culmination of an extensive programme of stakeholder and curriculum engagement to help design facilities to best meet national and regional skills priorities.” He added, “The CTEC building will provide the capacity and specialist facilities required to develop the skilled workforce needed to support the government’s programme of new towns, housing growth, and transport infrastructure projects and help ensure that the economic benefits of major public investment are retained within the region.”
Mike Harris, Director at Fuse Studios Ltd, commented: “Fuse is delighted to be working with Leeds College of Building again, following the successful delivery of the college’s South Bank Campus buildings and more recently, refurbishment projects in the North Street Campus. Having worked with the college for over a decade, we have an excellent understanding of the needs of its learners and staff and are bringing this knowledge to the CTEC Building.” He further noted, “At a time when the industry is developing innovative solutions for repurposing buildings, it is great for Leeds College of Building to be taking a lead; by creating sustainable, state-of-the-art teaching facilities for tomorrow’s construction professionals within an existing building. When complete, the building, its new landscaped setting and most importantly its occupants, will provide a greater level of vibrancy to this part of the city centre.”
Earlier this month, LCB revealed the Yorkshire & Humber CTEC regional delivery plans at an event held at the Royal Armouries Museum, attended by over 160 representatives from education, construction, and local government sectors. This launch marked a significant phase in ongoing collaboration to build the skilled workforce the construction industry requires.
The CTEC building project is currently out to tender as LCB seeks main contractors to realise its vision for the site. Construction is expected to begin early next year, aiming for completion in time for the Autumn 2028 student intake.
Further information about the Leeds College of Building CTEC project and the extensive construction and built environment training programmes offered by LCB is available online.
