Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has taken a major step forward with plans to transform Copperas Hill into a vibrant new student destination by submitting a full planning application to Liverpool City Council.
Situated at the entrance to the Knowledge Quarter (KQ) and adjacent to Liverpool Lime Street Station, the former Royal Mail Sorting office at Copperas Hill closed in 2010. The site has been cleared and will make way for LJMU’s exciting plans for a Student Life Building and Sports Building, significantly enhancing the student-experience in the City.
The University is planning to develop the 3 ½ acre site in two phases as part of a wider masterplan investment across the LJMU estate. Subject to planning approval, phase 1 at Copperas Hill will involve the development of the Student Life Building and a Sports Building. The application will be considered by the City Council during this summer and, subject to approval, the buildings will be open for the beginning of the new academic year in September 2020.
The £64million development has been designed to address existing constraints 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 new views of the Metropolitan Cathedral and improves connections between the KQ, Sensor City and Liverpool City Centre.
The planning application for this strategically important site at Copperas Hill follows a series of consultation meetings and workshops. The engagement programme allowed stakeholders from within the University, the wider Knowledge Quarter and the local community to get a better understanding of the proposed development for the Student Life Building and Sports Building. At the same time, it also provided valuable feedback on the proposed development and enabled the local community to influence the design of the scheme.