The University would like to update colleagues on plans to remodel and repurpose the Foundation Building for staff and student use. Major renovation and improvement work will begin next month and will continue in phases over an approximately 18-month period, with completion anticipated by Autumn 2023.
The initial phase of works will concentrate on the linear wing which will be closed to staff whilst works are in progress. The curved wing will remain accessible to staff currently based within the building. Further details on the different work phases, including timescales, are still being developed and will be communicated over the next few months.
Colleagues who were based on the first floor of the linear wing of the Foundation Building will be relocated to other suitable and available spaces on campus. FRCS colleagues are in the process of contacting managers and staff directly impacted, with further details of the schedule and logistics for relocation.
Why are these works being carried out?
The Foundation Building is a large space at the heart of our Liverpool campus, but occupancy demands have shifted significantly since the University moved to a hybrid model of working for many central Professional Services colleagues, and now that a number of campus-based staff and services have relocated to other buildings. The successful adoption of hybrid working has led to reduced demand for fixed workspaces and greater demand for hub working. In addition, we have identified an increase in demand for larger work spaces, suitable for collaborative team working, tasks and meetings.
The renovation work is also needed to update and make essential improvements throughout the Foundation Building – for example, to upgrade the ventilation and air conditioning system and to provide better digital facilities – to make it a more efficient and pleasant working environment.
Wider campus estate plans and future of the Foundation Building
These initial improvements to the Foundation Building are part of the University’s wider campus estate plans for the next 5 to 10 years, which will see six development ‘zones’ established across our Liverpool campus, focusing on the University’s areas of strategic importance and strength.
The Central Campus zone (encompassing the Foundation Building and University Square) will be a key arrival zone and destination for students, staff and visitors, accommodating hybrid working, improved digital teaching and team collaboration facilities, as well as more engagement spaces for student and staff leisure events and activities.
Once the work has been completed, the Foundation Building will continue to operate as a corporate headquarters and will house meeting rooms and work spaces.
Oversight and staff feedback
A Central Campus Steering Group consisting of Professional Services Directors, Guild representatives and external consultants has been established to provide direction, oversight and co-ordination of redevelopment activities over the next 2 years. The group will report to the Capital Investment Planning Group (CIPG) as well as working collaboratively with already established University steering groups looking at Student Success, Hybrid Working, Sustainability and Education needs.
Colleagues will have an opportunity to provide feedback and input via these groups and via their line-managers and we will update staff again in the coming months. In the interim, please email any questions about the current works or the wider campus estate plan to frcscomms@liverpool.ac.uk.
The University would like to thank colleagues for their understanding and patience while these important works and improvements to our campus are in progress.