LCoM has unveiled the revamped St Peters Square, a brand new, playful public space at Leeds’ cultural quarter, Quarry Hill.
The revamped St Peter's Square leading towards the recently developed Leeds College of Music Library, with Victoria Gate in the distance.
The square, which connects Leeds College of Music with its Music Library, BBC Yorkshire and Munro House, has been designed by award-winning architects Group Ginger and is generously supported by LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) and Napier.
Chief Operating Officer at Leeds College of Music, David Warren says; “We have set out to create an area which not only improves the public realm around LCoM for our students and staff, but which will also be a family-friendly green space to be enjoyed by the people of Leeds.”
The theme of the new square design is “performance” – a dominating theme in the cultural quarter - and features a staging area and spotlights. “We were keen to reflect our own musical heritage within the design, as well as the artistic and performance-led culture of our neighbours – the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Yorkshire Dance and Northern Ballet,” adds David Warren.
LeedsBID Chief Executive, Andrew Cooper, and LCoM Principal and Managing Director. Gerry Godley, cutting the ribbon to officially open St Peter's Square.
A terraced lawn allows for views of the stage, whilst plant boxes, shrubs and a vertical plant screen provide a welcoming refuge from the busy traffic of the adjoining Duke Street. The family-friendly space is also a playful area - with climbable bench seating and platform stages which double up as wobble-boards.
The diagonal path which runs through the centre of the square linking the main LCoM campus and Music Library, also nods to the musical heritage of LCoM – with a zebra crossing design reminiscent of the Beatles’ Abbey Road album cover.
The space also contains a broadcast point for the neighbouring BBC building, allowing opportunity for outside broadcast.
Chief Executive of LeedsBID, Andrew Cooper said: “LeedsBID is delighted to have been instrumental in rejuvenating St Peter’s Square – an important piece of green space in a key area of up and coming development in the city centre.”
“We hope to see everyone from families, local businesses and visitors to the city making the most of this new playful performance space as well as the inhabitants of the cultural quarter.”
A full gallery of photos from the St. Peter's Square Opening can be found on Flickr.
