From Young Minds to Skilled Hands: New Bug Hotel Opens in Merrion Gardens
Town Centre Securities (TCS) has supported the creation of a new Bug Hotel in Merrion Gardens, delivered through a partnership between schoolchildren, construction students and city organisations.
Where Creativity Meets Conservation
Unveiled in Merrion Gardens, which sits adjacent to the TCS owned, Merrion Centre,on Wednesday 1 July, the installation is the result of a Child Friendly Leeds competition inviting pupils to design a structure to support biodiversity and environmental learning.
Launched in December 2025, the competition received 35 entries from schools across Leeds. Two winning designs were selected following judging by Leeds College of Building students.
A joint design by Matilda and Harriet from Lady Elizabeth Hastings Primary School has been installed in Merrion Gardens, with a second installed at East SILC John Jamieson.
The project was delivered by Child Friendly Leeds, Town Centre Securities (TCS), Merrion Centre, ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena Hotel, Leeds College of Building and Leeds City Council’s Parks and Countryside team. Materials were generously donated by The Arium.
Leeds College of Building joinery students brought the children’s sketches to life, turning them into full-scale bug hotels through detailed drawings, cutting lists and hands-on construction using professional techniques. This provided students with practical experience in translating creative concepts into real-world builds.
From a hospitality perspective, ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena reflected on the values behind the project.
Alla Pearson, sales manager, said:
““We are incredibly proud to have supported the Bug Hotel project and to have worked alongside Child Friendly Leeds, TCS, Leeds College of Building and local schools to bring this idea to life.
“The Bug Hotel reflects our values as a hotel, creating a safe and welcoming space while encouraging young people to learn about biodiversity and the role of insects in our ecosystem. This project is a great example of what can be achieved when communities, educators and businesses come together with a shared purpose.”
The project’s community and environmental impact was also recognised by TCS.
Charlotte-Daisy Leeming, head of ESG at TCS, said:
“We’re proud to support a project that brings together young people’s creativity, education and biodiversity. The Bug Hotel is a lasting addition to Merrion Gardens, showing how partnership working can create positive environmental and community impact while inspiring future generations to care for nature.”
Child Friendly Leeds emphasised the importance of collaboration and the lasting legacy of the initiative
Sadiya Salim, Partnership Lead, Child Friendly Leeds, said:
““It’s fantastic to see children’s ideas become a permanent feature in a city centre park, supporting both nature and community learning. We are incredibly grateful to Town Centre Securities, Merrion Centre, ibis Styles Leeds, Leeds College of Building, and all our school partners for their enthusiasm and commitment. Together, they have helped turn children’s creativity into something tangible that will benefit biodiversity and education across the city for years to come.”
The Bug Hotel highlights how collaboration between education, business and local partners can create lasting environmental and community benefits in Leeds.
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