Skip to content Skip to main menu
1 CCS_5722

Copperas Hill Student Life Centre and Sports Building, Liverpool John Moores University

Based on a site formerly home to the Royal Mail sorting office, Copperas Hill is a landmark development for Liverpool John Moores University, providing a hub for university services, a state of the art sports centre and high quality public realm.

Key Stats

  • Gateway project within Liverpool's Knowledge Quarter
  • Hub for University services, sports facilities and public realm
  • Thoughtfully designed areas fostering student collaboration
  • Social Value plan empowering student opportunities
  • Unique 'floating stairway' design defining its entrance
  • Modern sports hall meeting Sport England requirements
  • Constructed in close proximity to an operational railway

At a Glance

Client

Liverpool John Moores University

Budget

£47m

Completion

February 2021

Location

Liverpool

Framework

Pagabo

Sector

Higher Education

Social value

2145 students engaged

Sustainability

99% waste diverted from landfill

3 CCS_6795
3 DJI_0521
2 CCS_5616
1 CCS_6843
9 CCS_5642

Overview

The project is based on a three and a half acre site formerly home to the Royal Mail sorting office which has been demolished to enable regeneration of the area. A key gateway site in the city centre, Copperas Hill helps to connect the LJMU’s estate, offering facilities easily accessible from its City Centre and Mount Pleasant Campuses. The project forms part of Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, a Mayoral Development Zone designed to link existing knowledge sectors and promote future development within this area.

The two-storey Sports Building includes Sport England compliant facilities such as an eight-court sports hall, two multi-purpose halls and a state-of-the-art gym. It provides first rate facilities for sports science subjects at the university and also for student recreation.

The development also provides attractive public open spaces with a design that allows for outdoor learning, multiple events, performances and exhibitions. Break-out spaces are included in the form of open lawn areas and informal seating spaces where students can relax, meet friends and study in the open air.

This major development is a key element of our Estates Masterplan through which we have invested in state-of-the-art new facilities and the refurbishment of existing buildings in our estate. Our priority is to provide our students with an outstanding experience during their time at LJMU and these new facilities will provide the perfect environment for study, research, sports and fitness and to access the wide range of support we offer. Copperas Hill will help to connect our City Campus and Mount Pleasant Campus and we are proud to be playing such a key role in regenerating this area of our city. We appreciate the collaborative work of Morgan Sindall and the whole client and contractor team in delivering this project on budget at a challenging site and through an unprecedented period with the pandemic.”

Professor Ian Campbell, LJMU Vice-Chancellor

It’s fantastic to see this project reach completion. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Morgan Sindall Construction’s team remained on track and ensured that the project was ready on time and in budget. We’re delighted to have played our part in what is set to be a hugely impactful development for the region and look forward continuing our great working relationship with LJMU.”

Jonathan Parker, National Framework Manager at Pagabo

The Sports Building and Student Life building will not only form a key component of the University’s exceptional student experience, but will also be two of the first sights of visitors from around the world as they arrive into our city from Lime Street Station. Along with our ongoing schemes at the Knowledge Quarter, this represents another key component of our work in helping to create a city centre that will thrive in the years ahead.”

Richard Potts, Liverpool area director for Morgan Sindall Construction

Related News

Back to All Case Studies