Housing
The University of Leeds was the first higher education institution to produce
a housing strategy in 2005. The strategy was reviewed and an update in 2007.
Document link:
Housing Strategy update (.PDF document)
Latest Housing News
Bodington Sale
Bodington Hall will be sold within the next four years and replacement student accommodation found nearer campus. The University's Governing body Council made the decision after considering several options for the future of the site. As a point of note this sale does not include the playing fields. For thefull article click here
Charles Morris refurbishment
The University has considered and approved a plan to demolish and re-build Mary Ogilvie House with the intention of replacing the existing 118 bedspaces with 560 new, high-quality, en-suite bedrooms. In parallel with this the two remaining houses will be fully refurbished. This re-development proposal is consistent with our Housing Strategy objectives of providing high-quality accommodation for our students on or near to the main campus and outside of the Area of Housing Mix (AHM).
Further public consultation will take place as the planning process moves forward.
Housing Issues
It is well known that the primary concern of some local communities is the growth in student numbers and the concentration of students in parts of Inner North-West Leeds.
Whilst students bring economic prosperity to these areas, there is also a negative consequence principally due to the transient nature of students and in some areas a loss of a sense of community.
There are also concerns that arise due to the lifestyle differences of young people and that the evening economy has grown in the area creating tensions
The University has supported initiatives developed in partnership with the City Council and Leeds Houses in Multiple Occupancy Lobby (HMO Lobby). This has led to our support for the Area of Housing Mix and Student Housing Strategy developed by the Council.
The University has one of the largest housing portfolios of any University in the UK (with over 8,000 bed spaces) providing accommodation to all first year students and international students that require it.
The majority of students however choose to live in the private rented sector and obtain advice and guidance from UNIPOL Housing (organisation jointly set up by both Universities).
The Access and Community Engagement Office and Residential and Commercial Services jointly represent the University strategically through the Private Rented Sector Strategy Group and Shared Housing Group.
The University of Leeds has established two new groups to facilitate our communication and dialogue relating to Community and Housing issues.
Community and Housing Forum
The forum is held once a year and seeks attendance from all key local stakeholders and members of the community interested in community and housing issues. The forum will provide a platform to discuss key issues and concerns and present University policy and responses.
Community and Housing Steering Group
An internal Community and Housing Steering Group has also been convened, to develop policy and practice to support and response to emerging community and housing issues. The group will provide a structured communication channel on community and housing issues. Meetings are held monthly and minutes and outcomes are publicly available following the links above