The £64m project will transform the disused site into a state-of-the-art new Sports Building, a five-storey Student Life Building and attractive open spaces..

Morgan Sindall has already carried out initial enabling works on the site and construction is scheduled for completion in 2020.

Mark Power, LJMU’s Interim Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: “It’s fantastic to see this exciting new development moving ahead.

“The new Sports Building and Student Life Building will be superb additions to our facilities here at LJMU and offer our students the very best environment for their studies, sporting activities and the wide range of key support services we provide.

“The work will drive forward the regeneration of this key gateway site and completely transform the public realm and open spaces.”

Barry Roberts, Morgan Sindall Construction’s managing director for the North West said: “It’s a huge honour for us to deliver the Copperas Hill development on behalf of LJMU.

“When complete, the Student Life and Sports Buildings will provide exceptional facilities to students while also creating new public realm that will transform a key gateway to the city centre.

“This appointment, combined with our ongoing work at the Knowledge Quarter, confirms Morgan Sindall Construction’s status as key player in in delivering schemes that will further enhance Liverpool’s already renowned reputation as a brilliant city in which to study, while bringing huge benefits to the economy in terms of investment and job creation.

“Creating outstanding buildings is key to ensuring that Liverpool continues to flourish and attracts students and workers from around the world, and we look forward to working with the university in bringing its vision for the historic Copperas Hill site to life.”

The project was procured through the Pagabo Major Works framework.