Luminate Education Group marks major milestone as Mabgate Campus development reaches topping out stage
Luminate Education Group is celebrating a key milestone in the transformation of Mabgate Campus, as the £27 million development reaches its topping out stage.
Delivered in partnership with GMI Construction Group, the project is turning a once-derelict site into a flagship centre for adult education in the heart of Leeds. The new development will provide 70,000 sq.ft of high-quality, sustainable learning space and plays a vital role in Luminate’s mission to widen access to education, support progression, and regenerate local communities.
Mabgate Campus is already home to Leeds City College’s RE workshop and studios for Leeds Conservatoire. This next phase of development includes a five-storey campus for University Centre Leeds, a purpose-built space for Leeds City College’s adult learners, and a central atrium cafeteria linking new and existing facilities. The design prioritises sustainability, with low-carbon heating systems and energy-efficient features built in throughout.
The project also includes the sensitive restoration of Studio 24 – a much-loved former arts venue, preserving its character while integrating it into the campus’s future as a creative and inclusive learning environment.
David Warren, Group Vice Principal of Development at Luminate Education Group, said:
“This milestone marks another step forward in our commitment to delivering high-quality learning environments. The new facilities will replace outdated buildings, providing cutting-edge spaces for University Centre Leeds and Leeds City College adult students. Thanks to funding from the Department for Education’s capital transformation programme, we are ensuring that more students and adult learners can access the education and training they need. It’s fantastic to see the project progressing so well.”
GMI Construction, a Leeds-headquartered company, began work on the site in 2023.
Ed Weston, Commercial Director for Yorkshire at GMI Construction, added:
“Reaching the topping out stage at Mabgate is a key milestone in this landmark development. As a Leeds-based company, we are proud to contribute to the regeneration of this area while enhancing the facilities in this space. This investment will create outstanding opportunities for students and deliver lasting benefits to the region.”
The project forms a key part of Luminate Education Group’s wider strategy to invest in sustainable, inclusive, and high-quality learning environments across the region.