13/1/2009 Developer sponsors academic posts

The developer behind a flagship £50 million education scheme in Leeds has announced that it is funding two key academic posts at the city’s Metropolitan University (Leeds Met).

Property group Downing is sponsoring two positions which will focus on developing research in sustainable buildings, energy and environments.

The Downing Chair of Sustainable Housing and Downing Chair of Sustainable Architecture will be funded for three years. Staff and students will benefit from access to real life case study material from Downing’s sites to aid their studies.

The Liverpool-based developer’s Broadcasting Place scheme on Woodhouse Lane will feature 130,000 sq ft of new teaching space for Leeds Met and 240 student residences contained within a striking 23-storey tower.

The post of sustainable housing has been filled by Professor Malcolm Bell while the sustainable architecture post is currently being advertised.

Chris Royffe, head of the Leeds School of Architecture, Landscape and Design, said: “Sponsorship by Downing for these professorial appointments means that Leeds Metropolitan University can further develop its research endeavours in this important field.

“It will encourage the staff and students responsible for the future planning of buildings and spaces to design them in a responsible and informed way.

“Through the development of new facilities and the provision of this sponsorship, Downing is helping the university to extend its ambition to have a positive impact on the environment.”


Paul Houghton, director of Downing, said: “The impact on the built environment should always be a powerful concern for the development community. Sponsoring these teaching posts will help us to further explore issues of sustainability and to offer the academic community a private sector perspective.”

Designed by Sterling Prize winning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley, Broadcasting Place has won, praise from the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). The scheme is safeguarding the preservation of the historic Grade II Listed Broadcasting House as well as creating a new Baptist Church for the local community.

The new teaching and office space will house Leeds Mets’ Faculty of Arts and Society and will be completed by September 2009.