Leeds Arts University 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 Architecture worked alongside the university to ensure it can grow to meet the ongoing demand for places and inspire future students. Approval was granted for the development of this next generation environment for art and design education totaling 62,250 sq ft. The scheme consists of 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 encourage wider engagement in the university, while meeting rooms and an enterprise centre are the main focus of the college’s engagement with regional businesses as part of its ambitious employability agenda for students and alumni. Reimagining the site on an existing Blenheim Walk car park, it acts as a natural extension to the campus, connecting the art university with Leeds Beckett’s Broadcasting Place, Leeds University’s Parkinson building and the wider historic campus around St George’s Field.