Contract signed to deliver major Copperas Hill scheme

Morgan Sindall Construction has signed a contract to deliver Liverpool John Moores University’s landmark new development on Copperas Hill.

The project will transform the disused site into a state-of-the-art new Sports Building, a five-storey Student Life Building and attractive open spaces.

The three and a half acre development will regenerate a key gateway site in the heart of the city centre and was granted planning permission in October.

Morgan Sindall Construction has already carried out initial enabling works on the site, with the main construction work set to commence immediately.

The project will deliver:

• The Student Life Building

A five-storey building providing a range of student-facing services, including advice and wellbeing services, careers advice, international exchanges, an area for individual and group study, and the Students’ Union (JMSU) and general teaching spaces.

• The Sports Building

A two-storey building which will include outstanding facilities such as an eight court sports hall, two multi-purpose halls and a state-of-the-art gym.

The development will also create attractive public open spaces, which will benefit the local community as well as students and staff.

Construction work is scheduled for completion in 2020.

Mark Power, LJMU’s Interim Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: “It’s fantastic to see this exciting new development moving ahead.

“The new Sports Building and Student Life Building will be superb additions to our facilities here at LJMU and offer our students the very best environment for their studies, sporting activities and the wide range of key support services we provide.

“The work will drive forward the regeneration of this key gateway site and completely transform the public realm and open spaces. This commitment to our community, the city and the wider city region reflects our vision of LJMU as a pioneering modern civic university.”

Angelina Cliff, President of JMSU – Liverpool John Moores University Students’ Union – said: “We’re incredibly excited to see the progression of the student-centred Student Life and Sports buildings, and welcome this additional resource for those studying at Liverpool John Moores University.

“As the Students’ Union our role is to represent, support and enhance the lives of all LJMU students and with these key locations we’ll be able to further highlight our core services and campaigns, build on our offer to members and continue our cross campus provision.

“With state of the art facilities, the Sports Building will also allow our growing sports teams a great opportunity to continue to develop, compete and connect across the student population as well as provide health and wellbeing activity for our broader student population.”

Barry Roberts, Morgan Sindall Construction’s managing director for the North West said: “It’s a huge honour for us to deliver the Copperas Hill development on behalf of LJMU. When complete, the Student Life and Sports Buildings will provide exceptional facilities to students while also creating new public realm that will transform a key gateway to the city centre.

“This appointment, combined with our ongoing work at the Knowledge Quarter, confirms Morgan Sindall Construction’s status as key player in in delivering schemes that will further enhance Liverpool’s already renowned reputation as a brilliant city in which to study, while bringing huge benefits to the economy in terms of investment and job creation.

“Creating outstanding buildings is key to ensuring that Liverpool continues to flourish and attracts students and workers from around the world, and we look forward to working with the university in bringing its vision for the historic Copperas Hill site to life.”

The project was procured through the Pagabo Major Works framework.