Contractor Lendlease to push forward with enabling works for Liverpool John Moores University’s project
Liverpool John Moores University has won planning approval to redevelop a former Royal Mail sorting office in the city centre into a new student facility.
The £100m BDP-designed complex will incorporate three libraries, student and teaching facilities, sport facilities and a students union and will be built by Lendlease.
Lendlease is already on site working on enabling works and will now begin removal of the exterior of the sorting office in May. The internal frame of the building will form the basis of the new structure.
The five storey building is to be expanded to include two mezzanine floors and the roof converted for sports and recreation – increasing the floor space by 75,000 sq ft to 355,000 sq ft.
It will house the University’s three libraries combined into a new facility, student zones and the students union. A teaching unit with lecture theatres, seminar rooms and IT suites, as well as an eight-court sports hall, gym and multi-use studios.
LJMU vice-chancellor, Professor Nigel Weatherill, said the building would “revolutionise the student experience and the physical shape of the University as well as having a highly positive effect on the city itself”.
Sue Emms, lead architect for the development from BDP said: “Copperas Hill will be a new destination in the city and create a vibrant heart for the University.”
The development is expected to be open for use at the start of the academic year 2018.
No comments yet