University of Liverpool consults on £1bn masterplan

The University will seek public views on its 15-year, £1bn investment plan for its campuses in the city centre and at Leahurst in Cheshire.

The masterplan includes a series of new-builds and redevelopment projects to enhance the University’s estate; some of these, including the Digital Innovation Facility designed by IBI, and a £21m Arts & Humanities Centre designed by Ellis Williams Architects, have already come forward.

The University appointed Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios for the masterplan brief in December 2017, ahead of two other shortlisted architects; K2 with Reiach & Hall; and BDP.

Parts of the masterplan include introducing a central green within the campus, and improving existing public space. To achieve this, the University is proposing to remove smaller car parks within its estate and replace these with three multi-storey car parks towards the periphery of the campus.

As well as its central Liverpool campus, the University has also pledged “significant investment” in its Leahurst campus, home to its veterinary institute; these will include major developments for equine care, expanded research facilities, and a redeveloped student skills zone.

Consultation events are due to be held in the coming weeks, beginning on 29 April. Displays will be on show from 29 April to 10 May on the ground floor of the Guild of Students’ building, while representatives from the architect will be available between 12-1pm and 2-3pm on 1 May and 10 May at the same location.

A public consultation session will also take place on 1 May between 5-7pm in the Bronte Youth and Community Centre on Trowbridge Street. Boards and plans will also be available online from 29 April.

The University’s vice-chancellor, Dame Janet Beer, said: “We are proud of our place in the city and of our architectural heritage. Our plans are sensitive to this and provide exciting new opportunities to further enhance the appearance of our campuses and their surroundings.

“Whilst our estate already boasts some world-class facilities and wonderful spaces, we need continued investment to best support our ambitious future plans. This masterplan provides an exciting, clear and coherent vision for our university campuses and includes significant investment which will have a number of positive regional impacts, not least on the economy.

“I’m keen to hear what staff, students and the general public think of these proposals.”