University submits £64m plans for derelict site in city centre

Plans have been revived for the £64m redevelopment of the old Royal Mail sorting site office near Liverpool’s Lime Street station.

Liverpool John Moores University ditched the plan last year after the sorting office was demolished and the £100m cost of the Copperas Hill scheme for students escalated.

But now the university has taken a major step forward with its £64m plans to transform Copperas Hill into a new student destination.

The university has submitted a full planning application to Liverpool City Council.

Located at the entrance to the Knowledge Quarter and next 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 sports and student life building.

The university wants to develop the 3 ½ acre site in two phases as part of a wide investment across its whole estate.

Subject to planning approval, phase 1 at Copperas Hill will include the development of the new building.

The application is due to for determination by the City Council this summer and should the proposals be approved, the buildings will open in autumn 2020.

The £64m development is designed to address existing constraints and mark the entrance to the Knowledge Quarter.

New public spaces will transform Copperas Hill into a vibrant, attractive place that everyone can enjoy.

The development will also reveal new views of the Metropolitan Cathedral and improve connections between the Knowledge Quarter and the rest of the city.

LJMU’s planning application follows a series of consultation meetings and workshops.

The application was submitted on behalf of LJMU by planning and design consultancy, Barton Willmore.

Barton Willmore was appointed by Faithful+Gould and worked alongside Sheppard Robson, Cundall and WSP to prepare the application.

Greg Dickson, planning director at Barton Willmore, said: “The regeneration of Copperas Hill forms a key component in the delivery of both LJMU’s strategic framework.

“The proposals present an exciting opportunity to transform this forgotten area of Liverpool to deliver high-quality Student Life and Sports Buildings to create a connected LJMU campus in Liverpool City Centre.”