The University went back to the drawing board last year after the £100m costs of a major student scheme incorporating much of the existing sorting office at Copperas Hill soared by over a third.

This building was demolished last year, paving the way for the new £64m building plans on the 3.5 acre site.

Subject to planning approval, Phase 1 will see the development of two new buildings, a Student Life Building and Sports Building by summer 2020.

The Student Life Building will house student-facing services plus a new dedicated space for the students’ union.

The new Sports Building will have indoor facilities, including an 8-court sports hall and gymnasium, which will support teaching and research in sports studies as well as providing new sports facilities.

Professor Nigel Weatherill, LJMU Vice-Chancellor explains: “We have taken time to develop the plans for the regeneration of Copperas Hill and we believe we have now arrived at the right approach.”

He added that though physically separate, the Student Life Building and a Sports Building would be connected visually thanks to great architectural design, that creates a single sweeping curve along the length of the new pathway crossing the site.

Faithful+Gould will act as project managers, quantity surveyors, employers’ agent and principal designers. The firm will work alongside architect Sheppard Robson, civil, structural and building services engineers Cundall and fire engineers WSP.

Ged McNicholl, Regional Director of Faithful+Gould said: “Copperas Hill is one of Liverpool City Region’s key strategic gateway sites and the scheme will act as a catalyst for the future campus development, and be a critical component of the Knowledge Quarter. LJMU is a very ambitious and progressive client who we look forward to working with.”