A multi-million pound ‘live-learn’ facility, designed for Liverpool International College (LIC) by AJ100 practice CPMG Architects, has been granted planning approval by Liverpool City Council, subject to a Section 106 Agreement.
LIC is operated through a partnership between Kaplan and the University of Liverpool. The new facility will feature 47,000 sq ft of modern teaching and learning space, including 13 storeys of cutting-edge academic, residential and administrative space with an impressive three-storey atrium.
Hugh Avison, design director for CPMG Architects said the project will enhance the city’s Knowledge Quarter and support the college’s ongoing growth.
“As experts in the education sector we’re proud to have been awarded such an exciting development for the city of Liverpool and the UK education sector,” he said.
“The designs we have created integrate residential and learning spaces and support Kaplan’s pathway programmes where international students live and learn in a community setting.
“The scheme incorporates a range of formal and informal teaching areas for extra tutorials, workshops and pastoral care and the international students will benefit from 259 beds in larger single bedrooms, in a mix of en-suite cluster and studio apartments.”
Located on Grove Street, the project will create a gateway to the University of Liverpool campus that will change the city’s skyline creating stunning views and complimenting the skyline with a green roof.
“Having previously worked with some of Kaplan’s other university partners, I’m confident this project will provide world-class teaching facilities for ambitious international students,” Hugh added.
Nigel Jones, director of estates and construction for Kaplan International said: “Liverpool is one of the most desirable cities in the UK for international students and demand for places at LIC is increasing year on year.
“We are delighted to be working with CPMG on the most exciting inner city rejuvenation project in Liverpool. CPMG has designed integrated spaces for living and learning in the exciting new development, providing a variety of learning spaces to suit the specific needs of our international students.”
Pulse Associates are acting as the quantity surveyors and project managers. Ian Carey, director from the company added: “This purpose-built ‘live-learn’ facility is one we are proud to be involved in. Once complete, LIC will benefit from world-class learning facilities.”
Frazer Sandwith, planning and development director at JLL, who advised Kaplan/LIC, said: “The scheme is set to have significant social and environmental benefits for the Merseyside area and will provide an impressive live-learn facility for LIC’s international students. This announcement kick-starts the development of Liverpool’s 30 acre Paddington Village, and as such has been designed with the broader scheme’s goals in mind – of delivering true regeneration to this key city centre site.”
Curtins are acting as the structural engineers and the M & E consultants are Building Services Design.
The new facility is expected to open in 2019.