University of Liverpool to invest £600m in facilities

The University of Liverpool has unveiled plans to invest £600 million in its accommodation and research facilities.

Around £250 million will be spent on overhauling its student residences and work is already underway on a £44 million, 710-bedroom development in the city centre that will feature shops, a restaurant and "cutting-edge" sustainable design. The scheme is expected to open in 2012.

The university also plans to refurbish some existing accommodation and build new halls at the Mulberry Court and Alsop sites on Brownlow Hill.

In addition, around £350 million will be ploughed into improving the university's academic estate across its city centre and Leahurst campuses.

University of Liverpool director of facilities management Steve Dickson said: "We're making these investments to support our strategic plan, with particular emphasis on enhancing the student experience and research excellence.

"Applications for our accommodation have doubled this year and it's important that we make this significant investment in order to meet student demand in the future.

"Liverpool is an extremely popular choice for students and remains heavily oversubscribed but it's important that all aspects of our student experience - including accommodation - are world-class in order to attract the most talented students to the university."