A Liverpool councillor has raised concerns about the now-closed Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) site in Aigburth.
Cllr Patrick Hurley this week asked Cabinet Member Harry Doyle for an update regarding the housing development which has been proposed to replace the extensive I.M Marsh campus on Aigburth Road. He said: “LJMU has closed down and they’re going to sell the site for housing.”
But he claimed: “They can’t sell the site until they find alternate provisions for sports centres in the area.” Cllr Hurley specifically drew attention to a hockey pitch on the site.
The I.M Marsh Campus site, which was dedicated to sports, closed in July 2021 and its functions have been transferred to LJMU’s new development at Copperas Hill. LJMU has previously said: “The site will be redeveloped and LJMU is committed to leaving a positive legacy in the local community.”
But Cllr Hurley said: “They can’t sell the site because Sports England have the statutory ability to call in the planning application, and Sports England have the intention to do so unless LJMU works with Liverpool City Council to find alternative provisions.”
Cllr Doyle was unable to provide an update due to an illness within the team dealing with the development. However, he was able to announce that proposals for a new playing pitch will soon be put forward to the council.
Click here to head to Sport England and find out more.
