Leeds Beckett University Architecture students enjoyed a guided tour of Veolia’s Leeds Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility on March 5th 2019 as part of their Technology module aimed at understanding the wider cityscape and energy flows which encompass our city.

Students on their visit

The scheme by internationally renowned architect Jean-Robert Mazaud of S’pace Architects, boasts a spectacular 42m high glulam frame and Europe’s largest green ‘living’ wall to the southern façade, enhancing visual impact and providing biodiversity.

Designed to remove recyclable waste from black bins and recover energy from anything remaining, the facility produces energy for 22,000 homes and will soon heat Leeds City Council’s new District Heating system for Civic buildings and social housing, all whilst ensuring no Leeds city region waste goes to landfill.

Student Katie McMillan said “I didn’t understand why we were visiting a recycling centre, but once we arrived and were shown round I was really impressed by the architectural response. It exemplifies how quality architecture can improve a place and lift an otherwise mundane factory into something special.”

The Veolia building

Further Information

Craig Stott

Senior Lecturer / Leeds School Of Arts

Craig Stott (MEng, BArch, MA, ARB) is a Project Office co-director, Architect and Senior Architecture Lecturer at the Leeds School of Architecture, Leeds Beckett University.

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