Property consultancy CBRE wins three-year deal to help push forward progress on the University of Liverpool’s 10-year £650m capital development programme. Tony McDonough reports
Property consultancy CBRE has secured a three-year deal as strategic property advisor to the University of Liverpool.
A key part of its role will be to oversee the university’s 10-year capital development programme, worth £650m, that aims to transform its 100-acre city centre campus via the delivery of its Liverpool 2031 vision.
This includes the Estate Strategy 2031+ and, if successful, will see the university recognised in the top-100 ranked universities worldwide.
CBRE will have an advisory role, working across the university’s entire property portfolio, comprising almost 600 acres, which includes 4.2m sq ft of non-residential floorspace and 5,100 student beds.
Its team will work across multiple service lines including office agency, valuation, development and landlord and tenant teams, supported by a suite of complementary property services.
CBRE experts will also advise on the proposed Academic Health Science Campus and Chemical Sciences Innovation new builds – two cornerstone priority projects within the capital development programme over the next 10 years.
Neil Kirkham, who takes up his role as head of CBRE’s Liverpool office in January 2026, said: “It promises to be a key partnership to help deliver the university’s strategic objectives to reimagine and future-proof one of the city’s most important institutions.
“This mandate reflects the strength and integration of our regional and national teams, our deep understanding of the university’s campus, the local market and our commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for one of the city’s most important institutions.”
Work has already started with the team mobilised on an estate optimisation review, the first phase in delivering the University’s estate strategy, earmarked for completion by March 2026.
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David Furnival, group director for property and campus services at the University of Liverpool, added: “We are pleased to partner with CBRE as we deliver our Estates Strategy 2031+ and create a world-class campus experience.
“One that supports leading research, innovation and student success, while strengthening our contribution to the city of Liverpool and the wider region. This partnership is an important step in delivering the long-term vision set out in Liverpool 2031.”