In a vivid turn of events, the Grade II-listed St Mary’s in the Wood Church in Morley is being spectacularly transformed into the Morley Learning and Skills Centre, poised to empower adults with crucial qualifications in technology, IT, English, and maths. This ambitious project, managed by Leeds City College and funded by a £24.3 million government grant, promises to revitalize the community by boosting local employability, supporting business growth, and meticulously preserving a cherished piece of Morley’s heritage.
What is the Morley Learning and Skills Centre and how will it benefit the community?
The Morley Learning and Skills Centre, opening in a restored church, will provide adults with essential qualifications in technology, IT, English, and maths. This centre aims to boost local employability, support business growth, preserve heritage, and offer flexible, accessible learning for the Morley community.
Introduction to the Morley Learning and Skills Centre
Work has commenced on a significant and multi-million-pound project in Morley, as a former church is being transformed into an innovative Learning and Skills Centre. Serving as a linchpin of the Morley Town Deal skills strategy, this centre is aimed at equipping adults with vital qualifications and competencies to enhance their employability. The project represents not only a substantial investment in the future of Morley’s workforce but also a major revitalization initiative for the heart of the town’s conservation area.
The Grade II-listed St Mary’s in the Wood Church, built in 1900, was purchased by Leeds City Council in October 2023 using funds from a £24.3 million government grant awarded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). By choosing this heritage building on Commercial Street as its new home, the project preserves local history while launching residents towards a modern, technology-focused career landscape. The transformation signals an enduring legacy for the town, both culturally and economically.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, transport, and sustainable development, emphasized the local enthusiasm for accessible upskilling: “The start of work on the new Morley Learning and Skills Centre is a major step forward in providing a legacy of opportunity to the people of Morley through the government grant.” He highlighted the pivotal role of technology-based learning in realizing residents’ ambitions, ensuring many generations will thrive in future labor markets.
Ambitious Skills Agenda and Course Offerings
The new centre, managed by Leeds City College, will be at the forefront of adult education in the area. Its curriculum is designed to respond to the evolving needs of local employers as well as individual learners, with a strong emphasis on growth sectors such as technology and innovation. Residents will have the opportunity to attend courses in subjects like coding, virtual reality, 2D printing, and general IT skills, as well as foundational courses in English and maths.
Drawing from feedback during the Morley Town Deal consultations, the centre is set to offer high-quality adult learning resources locally – addressing a long-standing demand among residents. The intent is not simply to offer training, but to ensure it fits around busy modern lives, encouraging more adults to upskill or retrain without leaving town. Leeds City College’s Director of Curriculum for Adults, Jo Dye, stated, “We and our partners, Leeds City Council, have great plans for Morley and know that this centre will help so many people gain the training and education they, and local businesses, need.”
With robust digital facilities and an array of flexible learning options, the centre promises:
- Diverse courses tailored to industries with high-growth prospects
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate employment and personal commitments
- Access to technology-enhanced learning environments
- Facilities and equipment that support both digital literacy and practical skills
Jo Dye noted, “The result will be a centre that offers flexible learning opportunities, designed to fit around busy lives, access to digital facilities and training for all.”
Heritage Restoration and Adaptive Reuse
The design and construction of the Learning and Skills Centre also stand out as a model for blending heritage conservation with modern needs. Planning permission for the conversion was obtained in late 2024, following a thorough and competitive tender process resulting in the appointment of Bermar Building Co Ltd as lead contractor. Restoration efforts will focus on both external and internal upgrades:
- The roof, façade, windows, and doors will be meticulously restored to their original grandeur
- A new access ramp and a lift will enhance accessibility, ensuring the centre is usable for all members of the community
- Refurbishment of the interior will create inviting, flexible spaces for learning, including the installation of a pod in the main hall to maximize utility
Distinct efforts will be made to honor the building’s legacy as a former place of worship. Original pews are slated for restoration and reinstallation, and a commemorative plaque is under preparation, facilitated by the college’s RE: Workshop, a creative upcycling initiative. Gerald Jennings, chair of the Morley Town Deal board, remarked: “The Morley Learning and Skills Centre, with its wide range of education and upskilling opportunities, is a legacy the Town Deal can be proud of, as it will provide people with opportunities for generations to come.”
Rob Moon, Managing Director of Bermar Building Co Ltd, added, “We are thrilled to be working with the Morley Town Deal, Leeds City Council, and Leeds City College on the construction of the new Morley Learning and Skills Centre… while also retaining the character and heritage of a building that has been a part of the community for over 100 years.”
Economic Impact and Community Engagement
Beyond educational opportunities, the Learning and Skills Centre is seen as a catalyst for boosting Morley’s economic prospects. By addressing skills shortages locally, the centre aligns workforce capabilities with current and emerging sectors, which is crucial for attracting new businesses and supporting the expansion of existing ones. The Town Deal Board has worked closely with local stakeholders – including residents and employers – ensuring the centre’s programs are demand-driven.
The anticipated outcomes include:
- Enhanced employability and earning power for residents
- Attraction of new employers seeking a skilled workforce
- Revitalization of Morley’s central conservation area, encouraging further investment
- Intergenerational opportunities for upskilling and lifelong learning
As building work progresses, regular updates will be provided through the Morley Town Deal website and its Facebook page, ensuring transparency and opportunities for continued community feedback. Gerald Jennings voiced his optimism: “I look forward to watching the exciting plans for this incredible learning institution take shape over the coming months and for the people of Morley to start enjoying the benefits the centre will provide.”
Leeds City College and project partners underline their commitment to overcoming challenges and delivering a flexible educational space suited to modern life. As the town moves towards a completion date expected in autumn 2026, communities are encouraged to stay engaged and informed, and above all, to anticipate the many new possibilities that the Morley Learning and Skills Centre is set to unlock.
- The Grade II-listed St Mary’s in the Wood Church in Morley is being transformed into the Morley Learning and Skills Centre.
- The project is managed by Leeds City College and funded by a £24.3 million government grant.
- The centre will provide adults with qualifications in technology, IT, English, and maths to boost employability.
- Restoration efforts will meticulously preserve the building’s heritage while creating modern, accessible learning spaces.
- The centre is expected to enhance economic prospects, attract new businesses, and revitalize Morley’s central conservation area.