BDP wins Copperas Hill competition

BDP has won the commission to design the £80m scheme to remodel the former Royal Mail Centre on Copperas Hill in Liverpool city centre for Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). BDP had previously worked on an initial feasibility study for the university.

LJMU acquired the Copperas Hill site in 2011 and announced plans to redevelop the site as part of a vision to develop a connected campus by locating all students and staff in the city centre in 2013. The Copperas Hill project is part of a masterplan that covers the university’s entire portfolio of properties and it is anticipated that the whole estate will benefit from improved facilities as a result.

Architect director Sue Emms says: "This is a hugely exciting and unique project, which has the ability to transform a redundant city centre building, regenerate a city quarter and create a vibrant, student-focused heart for LJMU."

The former postal sorting office is situated near to Lime Street station and close to the university's existing buildings. The building extends to 25,000 sqm over several floors and includes offices, storage and a loading area. Its redevelopment will be pivotal in the regeneration of the surrounding area resulting in the creation of improved streetscapes, upgraded highways, landscaping and new open spaces.

A full planning application is programmed for the summer of 2015 with a view to starting work on site early in 2016. Full completion is expected in 2018.

Christal Management will be project manager for the scheme and Sweett Group is quantity surveyor. Civil & Structural Engineer is Curtins and Building Services Engineer is Arup.