Education Estates Awards 2025 shortlist announced
Two projects Desco designed the M&E services for have been shortlisted
We are delighted to see that two projects we designed the mechanical and electrical services for have been shortlisted at the Education Estate Awards. Leeds Trinity University’s City Campus has been shortlisted for Refurbishment of the Year and Durham University Business School has been shortlisted for Project of the Year – University.
Leeds Trinity City Campus was converted from offices into a university campus providing teaching spaces for students studying Business, Law, Computer Science, Criminology, and Construction and Built Environment. The building features a board room, law court, custody suite and specialist labs to enhance the experience of students.
As well as being refurbished from offices, the building also had to be redesigned to be mechanically ventilated to make it suitable for educational use, after being originally designed to be naturally ventilated. It was also disconnected from the main gas supply and converted to be powered entirely through electricity, making it carbon zero ready.
As well as teaching facilities, the campus also features a library with a range of spaces for group and quiet working, a café, multi-faith prayer room and helpdesk services.
Durham University Business School has also been shortlisted. Durham University’s brand new Business School, Waterside was originally built for Durham County Council then acquired by Durham University to deliver a world-class business teaching and learning experience for their students.
The building houses 2,300 students and staff members in modern working spaces. Offering flexible teacher environments, meeting rooms, kitchenets and shared spaces for staff and students.
The project was a combination of complete redesign; minor alterations and the original design being kept
The awards will take place on Tuesday, 14th October 2025.
The Leeds Trinity City Campus team included – Jefferson Sheard Architects, Turner and Townsend and Graham.
Durham University Business School team included – Ryder Architecture, Gardiner & Theobald LLP and Castle Building Services.
Leeds Trinity University City Campus photos courtesy of Leeds Trinity University.