Innovative designs created by architectural, engineering and project management firm, Building Design Northern (BDN) on behalf of Kexgill Group and the University of Liverpool, could see five redundant buildings being brought back to life as part of major, multi-million pound redevelopment plans.

The architectural designs are part of an ambitious masterplan being proposed as part of a joint strategic private/public sector agreement between the global accommodation provider and the educational institution.

The plans, now submitted for approval, could see Mulberry Court on Oxford Street, Liverpool, being reimagined, restored and repurposed into stylish and affordable residential accommodation for post-graduate students at the city campus. 

More than 5,600m2 of space would be developed to create 238 bedspaces (35 studios and 49 cluster flats) with high specification interiors, communal and recreational areas as well as landscaped open spaces. This will significantly enhance supply and meet a growing requirement for high quality student accommodation across Liverpool.

BDN, HQ’d in the North East with offices in the North West of England, has specialist expertise working on behalf of large commercial and residential clients across the UK, especially within the education sector. The team’s unique sector insight has seen the award-winning firm being appointed by client Kexgill Group to deliver RIBA 0-4 across architectural, structural and civil engineering.

Joe Warner, Director of Building Design Northern (BDN), explained, “Mulberry Court is an important project that gives a new purpose to buildings which have been vacant for some time.

“The designs focus on reuse and restoration wherever possible and take into account key considerations such as cost, sustainability and long-term usability. This reflects the shared priorities of Kexgill Group and the University of Liverpool in creating accommodation that is both practical and sustainable, and we look forward to seeing the concepts and plans come to fruition.”

Liverpool has become one of the most popular and sought-after locations in the UK for higher education with more than 50,000 students currently study in the city.

BDN’s residential designs support a wider joint vision by Kexgill Group and the University of Liverpool to make Higher Education accessible for future students through premium accommodation that is also affordable. Delivery options for Mulberry Court are now being explored with investment potentially reaching circa £20m+ as part of a phased approach.

This will also support wider regeneration projects taking place across Liverpool currently, and once complete, will provide the highest standards of affordable rental properties for a diverse and growing student population.

Richard Stott, Managing Director of Kexgill Group, said, “This strategic collaboration with the University of Liverpool is establishing a benchmark model for university-industry partnerships aimed at addressing the UK’s student housing affordability crisis. It reflects a broader commitment to scalable, community-led development that supports accessibility and long-term sustainability.

 “We believe this approach, grounded in accessibility, sustainability, and community integration, will set a precedent for the future of student accommodation in the UK. We are proud to be working with the University of Liverpool to bring this vision to life.”

The planning application for Mulberry Court is expected to be decided later this year with activity starting in 2026.

Building Design Northern is one of the north’s leading full-service architectural, engineering and project management practices with a wealth of experience spanning retail, industrial, education, healthcare, automotive, local authority and residential sectors.

Global operator, Kexgill, has provided student accommodation for nearly 50 years, and already has a presence in Liverpool as well as eight other cities. It ranks as one of the top three European collaborators out of 50 identified when it comes to delivery partnerships[1].

ENDS

Photos – Images of the new Mulberry Court scheme designed by Building Design Northern and now submitted for planning by Kexgill Group and the University of Liverpool.

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[1] Estates Gazette