Building is named after former Vice-Chancellor of DMU

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has renamed a major building on its campus after a key figure in the university’s history.

Professor Philip Tasker was Vice-Chancellor of DMU for 11 years, overseeing the consolidation and transformation of its Leicester campus.



The main building at 1, Mill Lane was named The Philip Tasker Building in honour of his work to champion DMU, its campus and its academic community.

Professor Tasker, who left DMU in 2010 to chair the board at Curve theatre, said it was a “tremendous honour” to have the building named after him.


He said: “I’m enormously proud. It has been a privilege to be involved with DMU. This is a great institution and it gives me such pleasure to see it go from strength to strength.”

The building is home to Leicester International Pathway College, Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, the Centre for English Language Learning and the Sir Thomas White Charity.

Professor Tasker enjoyed a distinguished scientific career in atomic energy research before joining DMU as a Pro Vice-Chancellor in 1996. He became Vice-Chancellor three years later.

Under his leadership the James Went building was demolished and replaced with Hugh Aston, the underpass filled in to become Magazine Square and the Magazine – a medieval gateway to Leicester – was rescued from its position marooned on the former inner ring road.



DMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard paid tribute to his predecessor and his vision in transforming the university’s campus and this part of Leicester.

He said Professor Tasker’s legacy was continuing today with the £136million campus transformation programme to enhance DMU’s reputation as one of the finest city centre campuses in the UK.

He said:  “Professor Tasker is a much respected man whose generosity of spirit and leadership have created an extraordinarily solid foundation upon which to build.

“DMU’s continued successes are largely a result of his long-term commitment to excellence and quality. He has contributed so much to Leicester and to DMU.”