The University has developed an £1billion Estate Masterplan Strategy, outlining the vision for the estate over the next fifteen years and beyond.
The Masterplan includes a wide range of proposals on all aspects of the estate. It includes a number of building projects which have been announced in recent months, such as the Digital Innovation Facility and the Arts and Humanities Centre, as well as a range of proposed new builds and redevelopment projects to enhance teaching, research and impact and student life space on the University’s campuses.
Staff, students, stakeholders and members of the public are invited to feedback on these proposals between Monday 29 April and Friday 10 May.
An exciting future vision
The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor 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.”
1,000 tree campus
The Masterplan proposes introducing a new central green on the Liverpool campus, together with plans to revitalise existing courtyards. It also includes a commitment to becoming a 1,000 tree campus, with a carefully devised public realm vision to support the University’s commitments to sustainability and wellbeing.
To achieve this, the Masterplan includes proposals to remove small, disparate car parks in the centre of the Liverpool campus and replace these with three multi-storey car parks towards its perimeter. There are also plans to invest in sustainable travel options.
Leahurst
Significant investment is also planned for the University’s Leahurst campus, based in Cheshire, which is home to the Veterinary Institute. This includes major developments for equine care, expanded research facilities and a redeveloped student skills zone.
Delivering on feedback
Jenny Tucker, Interim Chief Operating Officer, said, “In earlier consultations, staff and students said that they wanted the estate to enable a sense of community, to feel inclusive and accessible and to prioritise green space. Our Masterplan delivers on this feedback and many of the other suggestions raised.
“The campus will be zoned by faculty and there will also be a student life zone, providing clear homes for students and staff. We are also proposing a significant increase in green space, courtyards and event spaces to provide a range of opportunities for staff, students and visitors to come together and enjoy the campus.
“The Masterplan also includes clear plans and commitments to enhance accessibility and further promote equality, diversity and inclusivity across our campuses.”
Consultation
Consultation displays providing more details on the Masterplan will be on show from Monday 29 April to Friday 10 May in the Street in the Guild of Students. Staff from Facilities, Residential and Commercial Services and the Masterplan’s architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, will be available 12-1pm and 2-3pm on Wednesday 1 May and Friday 10 May in this location to answer questions and hear feedback.
In addition, presentations on the Masterplan will take place at the following times:
- Wednesday 1 May, 1-2pm, Mandella room, Guild of Students
- Friday 10 May, 1-2pm, Lecture Theatre D in the Central Teaching Hub
Consultation displays will also be available at the Leahurst campus and more details will follow on this shortly.
Webpages with details on the Masterplan and a feedback form will also launch on Monday 29 April.