Bids due today for University of Liverpool masterplan

A longlist of architects including BDP, Sheppard Robson, and K2 in partnership with Reiach & Hall have been invited to bid to create a masterplan for the University of Liverpool, translating the 2026 strategy published last year into a deliverable estates plan.

Feilden Clegg Bradley, Stride Treglown and Fairhursts Design Group are also understood to be among the practices on the list. K2 is the only Liverpool studio to feature, and if successful, the project would be Edinburgh-based Reiach & Hall’s first in the city.

The deadline for submissions is this afternoon, and after today the university will narrow the list to three practices, moving forward negotiations with the aim of having the team in place to start design work at the start of next year.

The university launched its 2026 Strategy in April 2016, laying out “visions and aspirations” for the next decade of growth.

The strategy outlined an aim for the university to be world-leading in specific research areas, such as advanced materials, infectious disease and personalised health.

Specific use of the university’s estate in delivering this plan is yet to be defined, and the selected architect is expected to advise on the most efficient use of the university’s central campus in Liverpool, including whether to demolish, refurbish or develop new-build facilities.