A new botanic garden featuring exotic plants, outdoor teaching spaces and a public glasshouse could be created at the University of Leeds under plans submitted to the city council.
The university is seeking planning permission for the project on its Woodhouse Lane campus as part of a wider programme of improvements set to transform the site over the next 15 years.
If approved, the garden would provide a dedicated space for scientific research and teaching while also creating a new green attraction for students, staff, visitors and local residents.
According to planning documents, the proposed garden would be located in the southern part of the campus between the EC Stoner and Food Sciences buildings.
The scheme includes botanical plant collections, specialist habitats for research, outdoor learning areas and pedestrian routes designed to be accessible to the public.
University planners said the garden would support both education and biodiversity while enhancing the campus environment.
A design report submitted with the application said: “The scheme seeks to provide a high-quality environment that supports teaching and scientific study while offering accessible green space for students, staff, visitors and the wider public.”
The plans divide the site into four distinct zones, each designed to provide different habitats and seasonal interest throughout the year.
A key feature of the proposal is a glasshouse that would house exotic plant species in a controlled climate. The university said the structure had been designed to complement surrounding buildings while remaining visually subordinate to the existing architecture.
Planning documents state that the glasshouse would be fully wheelchair accessible and open to visitors at designated times when it is not being used for teaching purposes.
The proposed botanic garden forms part of the university’s wider “Campus Reimagined” programme, which aims to reshape and improve the estate over the coming years.
A full planning application is currently open for public consultation, with comments being accepted until 5 August.
