The construction team for the new Business School at Leeds Metropolitan University hosted an opening ceremony of the landmark 'Rose Bowl' building on Thursday 11 June 2009, attended by over 200 people.

The construction team comprised of Turner & Townsend as cost managers, architects Sheppard Robson, engineers Arup, project managers Gardiner & Theobold and contractors BAM Construction.

The Rose Bowl, with a distinctive fully glazed curved lecture theatre at the centrepiece, is located in the heart of Leeds’ Civic Quarter, adjacent to the Grade II listed Civic Hall and Millennium Square. Previously a car park, the 12,000m² site now comprises teaching spaces, lecture theatres, offices, a restaurant and retail outlets.

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The layout orientates the campus towards Leeds City Centre, raising the profile of Leeds Metropolitan University. The Rose Bowl is not intended as just a place to educate tomorrow's business leaders but also a new hub for commercial organisations, acting as a catalyst to generate new business and regional economic development.

Opening the event, Stephen Willis, director of finances and resources at Leeds Metropolitan University commented on successful completion of the building: "The Rose Bowl responds to the University's aspirations, provides an inspirational learning space integrating the University with the wider context of its location, and orientates the campus towards Leeds city centre, promoting the University's status within the city."

Marcus Orlovsky of Bryanston Square followed with a thought-provoking speech about creating inspiring learning environments.

(JM/BMcc)