PLANNERS have given the go-ahead for a £20m purpose-built science building and laboratory in the city centre.
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) will transform its Byrom Street Campus with a five and three-storey building described as a “box within a box” design.
The building will house laboratories, accommodation and a 70-metre running track.
The plans were passed despite concerns from local residents about the loss of 70 car parking spaces on site, encouraging students to park on residential streets.
Council planning officers said no parking problems were evident when they visited the site and neighbouring streets.
But LJMU has agreed to replace some of the lost spaces and provide £25,000 for the creation and implementation of a residents parking scheme if the council decides it’s needed.
The stepped design of the building will have an outer box housing a foyer and cafe.
An inner box will be used for specialist laboratories requiring controlled environments and minimal lighting.
Around 50% of the building will be used as laboratory space, with the rest being used for teaching, IT suites and staff accommodation.
Architect Dominic Wilkinson, from Austin Smith Lord of Liverpool, said: “We opted for a double height entrance foyer because we wanted to give the building a sense of drama, to give people a real sense of arrival when they enter the building.
“As this building is just the first phase of a master plan for Byrom Street, we hope that it sets a high benchmark for future development on site.”
The development is the first phase of the university’s 10-year programme to bring the majority of teaching and research in science and technology on to one site.
Professor Michael Brown, LJMU’s Vice Chancellor said: “LJMU is the top-ranking university in the North West for delivering research that has real impact, according to a Guardian league table.
“The laboratories and advanced facilities in this new building will enable us to take our science research, particularly in the area of sport and exercise sciences, in new and exciting directions.
“We are striving to become the university whose graduates are most valued by employers.”
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