A full planning application has been submitted to refurbish the Greenbank Campus and transform it into a “self-contained student village” for as many as 1,400 students.
The planning application proposal involves demolition of several well-known buildings to create new accommodation blocks and the refurbishment of the grade-II listed Greenbank House. Greenbank House, now vacant, was built in the early 18th century and is well-known as the family home of the Rathbones who were heavily involved in the foundation of the University of Liverpool.
The University of Liverpool’s plans will see redevelopment of the campus with its current student accommodation blocks, tennis courts, and sports pitch.
The University of Liverpool is proposing to demolish Derby House, Rathbone Hall, Rathbone House, Warden’s House, Warden’s Court and Roscoe and Gladstone Halls and replace them with new student accommodation blocks named as Derby Hall, Rathbone Hall and Gladstone Hall.
It also wants to refurbish Derby Old Court for student accommodation, refurbish Derby Old Court Annex for support accommodation, build a sports hall and pavilion, and create new sports pitches.
The proposal’s design and access statement in support of the scheme was prepared by Sheppard Robson Architects, Knight Frank and Landscape Projects on behalf of the University of Liverpool.
The University of Liverpool stated:
“The university has made great strides in improving the quality of our residential accommodation already. Our £41.5m student accommodation complex at Vine Court features shops, a 250-seat restaurant and 749 ensuite student bedrooms and is receiving positive feedback from our students.
“The £62m Crown Place ‘Gateway’ development on Brownlow Hill opened in September 2014 and comprises 1,259 ensuite rooms as well as retail outlets.
“This planning application for Greenbank campus marks the next phase of the investment plans. Our plans will transform the campus to provide a self-contained student village comprising accommodation, catering and sports facilities. The university’s historic 18th century Greenbank House is also set to benefit from a refurbishment.”
Words: Peter Cribley