Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has released new plans to create a vibrant new student destination in Liverpool city centre.
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has released new plans to create a vibrant new student destination in Liverpool city centre.
Copperas Hill, a strategically important site located close to Lime Street Station, was formerly occupied by the Royal Mail Sorting Office, which closed in 2010. This building was demolished in 2017, paving the way for LJMU’s exciting new plans.
Professor Nigel Weatherill, LJMU Vice-Chancellor explains: ”Copperas Hill is an area with significant potential for the University to create pen pathways and public realm which will connect our two existing campuses in Mount Pleasant and Byrom Street.
“We have taken time to develop the plans for the regeneration of Copperas Hill and we believe we have now arrived at the right approach. The scheme provides for the development of two major LJMU buildings set within new public spaces and landscaped routes. It will transform this area of the City for our students and staff, as well as for the residents and communities around this site.”
LJMU is planning to develop the three and a half acre Copperas Hill site in two phases. Subject to planning approval, Phase 1 will see the development of two new buildings, a Student Life Building and Sports Building by summer 2020.
The Student Life Building will house a range of student-facing services, such as careers advice, international exchanges, and counselling and wellbeing support. A new Learning Commons will also be developed plus new dedicated space for the students’ union.
The new Sports Building will have indoor facilities, including an 8 court sports hall and gymnasium, which will support teaching and research in sports studies as well as providing new sports facilities for students, staff and Students’ Union clubs and societies.
Professor Peter Byers, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) says: “The redevelopment of the Copperas Hill site is an investment in the future of our students and the future of Liverpool. We are committed to delivering a life-changing student experience and these new facilities will enable students to maximise their time at LJMU, both academically and socially, and support their transition into professional employment.”
Though physically separate, the Student Life Building and a Sports Building will be connected visually thanks to great architectural design, that creates a single sweeping curve along the length of the new pathway crossing the site.
The £64million development has been designed to address existing constraints such as poor pedestrian access and mark the entrance to the Knowledge Quarter. The inclusion of new public spaces will further transform Copperas Hill into a vibrant, attractive place that everyone can enjoy. The development also reveals exciting new views of the Metropolitan Cathedral whilst connections between the Knowledge Quarter and Sensor City and Liverpool City Centre will be improved.
Faithful+Gould will act as project managers, quantity surveyors, employers’ agent and principal designers after being appointed via the Pagabo Professional Services in Construction and Premises public sector framework, an OJEU-compliant framework.
Ged McNicholl, Regional Director of Faithful+Gould comments: “We are proud to be supporting LJMU on this iconic scheme. Copperas Hill is one of Liverpool City Region’s key strategic gateway sites and the scheme will act as a catalyst for the future campus development, and be a critical component of the Knowledge Quarter. LJMU is a very ambitious and progressive client who we look forward to working with.”
Faithful+Gould will work alongside architects Sheppard Robson, civil, structural and building services engineers Cundall, fire engineers WSP and planning consultant Barton Willmore.
The Copperas Hill site development is part of a wider masterplan investment across the LJMU estate. https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/copperashill
