IM Marsh

Welcome
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is bringing forward plans
for the redevelopment of its IM Marsh Campus, following its decision
to consolidate teaching and learning facilities in the City Centre.
As part of the process of developing a masterplan for the Why are the development proposals
site, LJMU and its team are now consulting with residents being brought forward now?
and stakeholders on views of the emerging masterplan for a
The redevelopment of IM Marsh is proposed because
new residential community.
LJMU is due to vacate the campus in 2021. Its
LJMU understands the importance of getting this project redevelopment will ensure that the site is not left vacant
right and leaving a legacy for the community in which the and underutilised and it will support a new accessible use
University has been a part of for many years. that will integrate with both its surroundings and the local
Through this consultation, LJMU would like to share the community.
vision and masterplan to gain feedback to inform the final LJMU does not wish to sell the site without being able to
proposals. influence its development and leave a longstanding legacy.
The University wishes to deliver a sensitive residential-led
Who are we?
development that contributes to meeting the housing needs
LJMU has appointed planning consultants CBRE to lead a of Liverpool, but also provides accessible and connected
team of consultants including masterplanners Planit-IE. public spaces that can be used in the future by the
The wider team includes transport and highways engineers, community.
heritage advisors, ecologists and energy and utilities Delivering new development on this site will also
consultants. support the wider growth of LJMU in Liverpool through
reinvestment into its campuses elsewhere in the City.

The site today

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 IM Marsh

Vision
Our Vision
IM Marsh will be a healthy and desirable place to live in the heart of
leafy South Liverpool. Alive with the spirit of Irene Mabel Marsh, it
promotes a positive lifestyle, good for mental and physical health.
The site knits together with its surroundings, opening up its The design of the houses will set a precedent for
walls to encourage people to walk and cycle through, sustainable new homes in Liverpool, incorporating the
shortening connections to Sefton Park, the waterfront or best of contemporary design, sustainable construction and
the stations. Cycling and walking is encouraged on site value.
as the day-to-day choice of transport, good for both The ambition is to ensure that IM Marsh will contribute
health and for the environment. towards net zero carbon targets, enhance and protect its
The site is characterised by its 'green heart' which provides biodiversity, be resilient and promote healthy lifestyles and
a significant area of public open space to be enjoyed by sustainable ways of living and overall be an enjoyable place
new residents and the surrounding community. The mature to live.
landscape setting, which is a unique feature of the site, will
be preserved for enjoyment by all.

Sustainable New
Homes

Play & Active Landscape

e ri t a g e &
ra ting H L eg
b Range View to t
C ele ac
Lo ng he
W
y

els
hH
ills

A Biodiverse Landscape

Green Heart
Walking & Cycling
Connections
 IM Marsh

Site Considerations
The IM Marsh Campus is a unique site with a number
of key features including topographical, ecological and Key
historical considerations - all of which have been carefully Sandstone wall Ridge of slope
considered in the proposed development response. Listed building Slope
A number of the key site considerations for the Non-designated +47.5m Existing spot height
development of the masterplan are provided on the heritage asset
Moderate quality tree
diagram below. Long-range view
Low quality tree
Vehicular
access point Conservation Area

Pedestrian Neighbouring
access point building frontage

1 Primary vehicular
route
ea

1 Access into the site is currently limited to a

Ar

13 pedestrian access gate at the top of the site, a

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one-way vehicular loop in the north from North

tio

Mossley Hill Road to Barkhill Road and two minor

va
er

North Buildings vehicular access gates to South Sudley Road.

ns
Co

2 2 Distance of new development from existing

Sudley Fields neighbours will be carefully considered.
ill
yH

The Barkhill Building is a non-designated heritage

sle

3
2 building which has been significantly altered over time.
os
M

Sudley Building
4 Reprovision / replacement of the existing
1 sports pitches elsewhere within the City
are subject to discussions with Liverpool
+44.3m
City Council and Sports England.
Barkhill Buildings
12 3 Grade II Listed Holmefield House and its gardens
5
Mossley Hill Road

to be retained and refurbished for residential use.

The Meeting Place
Te
r ra 6 Mature landscape which provides ecological
ce habitats to be retained and enhanced.
Halls of Residence

7 Mature trees along the external boundaries

Mossley Building
To to be retained as far as possible.
p
Ti +41.4m
Distance of new development from the back gardens
er 8
11 of existing neighbours to be carefully considered.

9 Maximisation of the dramatic long-range views

which exist across to the Welsh hills.
10 M
id 10 New development could be located on
dl the existing building footprint
e +37.7m
Ti
er The considerable change in topography across
4 11
the site, dropping by 18m from the highest point at
Football Pitch
the northern tip, to the lowest point at the junction
with South Sudley Road needs to be carefully
considered. Slopes in the centre of the site make
up this level change and provide flat plateaus.
9 +34.2m

Lo 5 Creating openings through the sandstone boundary

12
w
er walls to improve access across the site and to
Ti Hockey Pitch activate this frontage will be balanced against the
er Sports Hall need to protect the existing character of the area.

4 13 Sudley Fields and Holt Field represent the

6 boundary of Mossley Hill Conservation Area.
+32.7m Development will respond to and be cogniscant
7 of the setting of the Conservation Area.
7

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 IM Marsh

Creating the Masterplan

Gaining a deeper understanding of the constraints and
opportunities of the site has enabled the design team to
identify a number of design drivers which underpin the
emerging masterplan. These are described below.

Break down the barrier Celebrate the IM Marsh character

Opening connections through the site Retain and enhance the mature landscape setting, the
to the wider neighbourhood. views it affords and connections with historic uses

1.  North Sudley Road 1. 

Retain the view at the
to South Sudley Road centre of the site within a
pedestrian and ycle wider central green space
only connection 2. 
Celebrate Holmefield
2. 
Supplement existing House as a distinctive
openings in the wall feature within the plan
with new openings 3. 
Protect the mature
3
to improve access landscape setting by
3. 
Provide Mossley Hill working around the
Road with an alternative existing tree belts
pedestrian and cycle route 4. 
Protection of features
within the site boundary such as the sandstone
wall and terraces
4
2
3

1 3

2
1
4
2

Utilise the existing built areas Contribute towards a 'healthy

Introducing new development parcels associated with the
neighbourhood'
previously developed land and sports pitches to the south. Embed key priorities and principles into the masterplan to ensure
it delivers as a healthy, sustainable neighbourhood for all.

1. 
Focus development areas 1. 
Walking and cycling
to correlate to existing built routes take priority
footprint where possible around the plan
2. 
Ensure development 2. 
Opportunities for outdoor
fronts the existing streets leisure and relaxation
and new routes and
8 3. 
Opportunities for
spaces within the plan outdoor play
1
4. 
Native planting to
5 encourage new wildlife
5. 
Permeable and adaptable
1 car parking provision
1 2
6. 
Protection and
8 2 enhancement of mature
1 landscape setting
7. 
Refurbishment of
Listed Building
1 3
8. 
Sustainable new homes
2 4
7
2
8
1 6
 IM Marsh

Illustrative Masterplan
The masterplan has been based upon an understanding of the site's
opportunities and constraints and in the context of the technical work Key
which has been undertaken to date. This includes work on flood risk 1.  Detached Houses
and drainage, ecology, highways and geotechnical constraints. There
2.  Semi-detached Houses
are some clear design principles which will guide development on the
site in a sensitive and progressive form. 3.  Terraces Houses

The masterplan is still in a process of evolution and therefore we 4.  Mews Houses

would like to seek your views at this stage. The current masterplan 5.  Apartment Blocks
for the site is presented below and we would like your opinion on the
overall approach.

Mos
sley
1. 
1 Housing set back from the existing footprint to
respect the properties fronting Mossley Hill Road

Hill
Roa
2. 
2 The footpath here is retained and enhanced

d
to provide an alternative pedestrian and cycle
route to that provided along Mossley Hill Road

3. 
3 Existing access point retained for one-
way movement out of the site 18 1
4. 
4 A mix of housing types are provided
to reflect the residential character to
19 2
the east of Mossley Hill Road

5. 
5 Dramatic views of the Welsh Hills retained through
the retention of the majority of the central space Sudley Fields
of the masterplan for new public open space 3
6. 
6 Former outdoor pool retained and referenced as 17
a landscaped and sustainable drainage feature

7. 
7 The tiered open space is retained providing 4
new opportunities for leisure and recreation 18

8. 
8 Mature trees are retained N
or
th 16
9. 
9 Holmefield House is retained and enhanced Su
with former gardens reflective of the dl 4
ey
historic setting of the Listed Building. R
oa
d
10. 
10 A new connection between North Sudley
Road and South Sudley Road is provided 5
by a direct footpath and cycleway 15
11 Ecologically sensitive areas are
11.  14 7 6
retained and enhanced

12 A mix of detached and semi-detached homes

12. 

13. 
13 Potential access point is provided through 15
the boundary wall for all movement types
12 7
14 Potential opening in the wall is provided
14.  13
to provide pedestrian and cycle
8
access from North Sudley Road

15. 
15 A mix of housing types including terraces, semi-
9
detached and detached homes are provided to 12
reflect residential character along Barkhill Road
- within the area of previously developed land.

16. 
16 Potential new opening in the wall is provided
for all movement types - affording views
12
of the central open space within

17. 
17 Existing access point retained for one-
way movement into the site 10
11
18. 
18 Low-rise (3 storey) apartments set
11
back from the boundary wall to respect So
ut
the character of Sudley Fields. h
11 Su
dl
19. 
19 Mature trees retained along the ey
R
Barkhill Road frontage oa
d
 IM Marsh

Connectivity
IM Marsh has the potential to provide new connections
with the wider neighbourhood which would knit the
proposed masterplan into the surrounding streets.
New access points are proposed to the west of the site on Barkhill
Road to facilitate this, particularly to connect North Sudley Road
and South Sudley Road via a pedestrian and cycle only route. s

s
in

in

s
m

in

in

in
m
Internal movement through the site will promote walking and

m
24

32
City Centre

33

29

20
r
1h
cycling, and vehicle movements will be limited, providing local

s
access to new homes only. IM Marsh has the potential to be

s
in

in

in

in
m

m
Sefton Park

30

11

27

7
an exemplary project encouraging cycling and walking as a
sustainable and healthy mode of transport. IM Marsh to:

s
in
Knitting into its surroundings

in

in
m

m
The Waterfront

18

6
s

s
The wider context map shows that IM Marsh benefits from being

s
in

in

in

in
Calderstones

m
36

10

28

9
well served by public transport; close to two railway lines, and Park
bordering Aigburth Rd the main vehicular route into the city
centre, as well as a local cycle routes nearby.
The diagram below illustrates the impact that new internal routes
s
in

s
m

in

in

in

in
through the IM Marsh masterplan could have on the wider context. Liverpool John

m
9
r2

s
26

45

31

15
bu
Lennon Airport
1h

A new east-west pedestrian and cycle connection linking South

+
Sudley Road to North Sudley Road reduces journey times and
forms a more level cycle route between south Liverpool, Sefton
Park and the city centre beyond.

City
Centre Toxteth
Wavertree N
Princes Park
Tr
a ns
Pe
nn
in 56
e
Tr
a il
Dingle
Sefton Park
Calderstones Park
Geoffrey
Hughes
Mossley Hill Memorial
Mossley Hill Ground

St. Michaels
Calderstones
St. Michaels
Holt Field
Heron Eccles
Sudley Fields Playing Field Allerton Manor
Golf Club
Festival Gardens

Key
Otterspool
Park
West Allerton
Recreational route
Aigburth ALLERTON
Traffic free cycle route W
at
er
fro Ai
Local cycle route nt gb
ur
Aigburth th
Merseyrail Ro
Ri ad Allerton Cemetery
National rail ve
r
M
Primary road er
se Garston Park
y
Secondary road
Tertiary road
Cressington Liverpool
Neighbouring road
South
New internal pedestrian and Parkway
cycle mainly routes proposed Grassendale
through the IM Marsh site
connecting the wider area Liverpool John
Lennon Airport
 IM Marsh

Access and Parking

The emerging masterplan is designed to provide a healthy
neighbourhood by prioritising pedestrian and cycle
movement with new routes through the site improving Permeable paving to soften
area of hardstanding
connections with the wider area. including car parking area

Vehicular movement is limited around the site ensuring the

masterplan provides a safe and enjoyable place to walk and
cycle around.
Following extensive consultation with Liverpool City
High quality
Council’s highway department our traffic and transport materials used to
specialists have measured the traffic levels that will be defined routes
generated by the proposed development; there will not be
any significant traffic related issues caused by the proposals.
Car parking provision has been carefully considered by
transport and highway specialists to ensure the site will
provide enough car parking spaces for all new residents Walking and
cycling within the
without any overspilling into the surrounding road network. landscape setting
The proposed car parking ratios are provided within the
diagram below.
We would welcome feedback from the local community on
the existing residents car parking scheme and whether any
Northern
changes should be considered. Parcel Improved pedestrian and
cycle permeability across the
1 car parking per homes
+Visitor car parking site. Provides attractive and
places an alternative landscaped
route to Mossley Hill Road.
Sudley Fields

Key Vehicle movements have been

Pedestrian / Cycle
access points
Access points for all
movement types
New opening in the boundary
wall for improved pedestrian
and cycle permeability
across the site.
Permeable modelled travelling through
materials parking the local highway network to
zones lessens the and from the site. There will
visual impact and not be any significant traffic
related issues caused by
slows rainwater
the proposals. This includes
run-off.
not having any notable
increases in local journey
Western times or road safety issues.
Parcel
2 car parking per homes
+Visitor car parking Potential for 1km walking
places
loop circling the site.

New opening in the boundary

wall for all movement types. Homefield
House
1.5 car parking per
Southern
d

homes +Visitor car

oa

Parcel parking places

l R
hil

2 car parking per homes

rk

+Visitor car parking

Ba

places
The existing Holmefield
Gate would be retained,
and potentially widened for
Vehicle movements have been the sole use of residents
modelled travelling through within Holmefield House.
the local highway network
to and from the site. There
will not have any notable Improved pedestrian
increases in local journey and cycle permeability
So
times or road safety issues. ut across the site.
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Su
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 IM Marsh

Residential Typologies
The IM Marsh campus is seen to be primarily a
residential development, with this assumption Where are
based on the existing characteristics of the site these located?
and surroundings, as well as the housing demand
within the area and the need for new homes
across the borough.
The emerging masterplan proposes a range
of residential typologies from apartments to
larger detached properties, presenting a variety
and choice of accommodation in this leafy and
desirable part of south Liverpool.

The proposed mix of typologies...

Up to Up to
We believe that a diversity of
40 homes 40 homes housing typologies contributes
in creating a healthier and
more inclusive neighbourhood.
It creates a variety of
accommodation for a range of
individuals, couples and families
who would all benefit from living
in the area.

Detached Homes Semi - Detached Homes

Up to Up to Up to
60 homes 60 homes 10 homes
c ts e
hi t
c
Ar
DK

Terraced Homes Low - Rise Apartments Mews Homes

 IM Marsh

The Landscape and Setting

The redevelopment of the IM Marsh Campus brings with it the
opportunity to open up the central green space at the heart of
the site to the public. This proposed public open space measures
approximately 1 hectare. At present, this area is in private University
use and therefore opening this up represents a major public benefit of
the proposals. Suddley Field
30 sec walking
This space is afforded impressive views across to the Welsh Hills
which can be appreciated as part of a new green landscape.
The existing mature landscape will be retained and enhanced within
the masterplan, creating a natural and distinctive place for the benefit
of new residents and the existing community.

The Mature Landscape

The mature landscape will be retained
and enhanced alongside the existing

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cu
Holmefield House and its associated

cir
garden providing an appropriate

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1k
setting for this impressive building.
The old swimming pool, boundary
sandstone walls and gate piers will Long range
Sefton Park 13 views
also be retained to celebrate the min walking
heritage and create an element of
discovery within the landscape.

West Allerton
11 min walking

An Active Landscape
The two large open spaces function Riverfront 20
as the active heart of the scheme min walking
- allowing informal sports, group
activities, relaxation and play to take
place in a safe and enclosed space.
The terraces will be utilised for play
and recreation as well as relaxation
spaces maximising views and taking
advantage of the dramatic setting.

Garston Park
23 min walking

An Enjoyable Place to Walk A Biodiverse Landscape

New walking routes open up this site for the The masterplan has retained the existing
public and encourage people to explore. ecological corridors and provided the
A 1km running route loops around the opportunity for biodiversity improvements
periphery of the site as one of a number and new habitats to be formed across
of new walking loops which traverse the plan. New areas of planting and
the terraces and provide incredible wildflower meadow are proposed to the
views of the historic setting, the Welsh east of the central space using a range
Hills and the mature landscape. of vegetation types to support habitat
creation. The mature tree belt to the east is
These routes link to the wider network retained, restored and extended to create a
via new access points into the site and peaceful environment within. A sustainable
are part of a wider network connecting to drainage strategy provides planted
Sudley Fields and beyond to Sefton Park. swales and ponds throughout the plan.
 IM Marsh

Sport Pitch Strategy

An ongoing dialogue is underway between LJMU, Liverpool City
Council, Sports England and the National Governing Bodies (NGBs)
for football, rugby and hockey to develop an appropriate strategy
that will offset the loss of playing pitches at IM Marsh and deliver new
sports facilities and investment for the wider benefit of the City.
This would include investing in existing off site facilities and
finding appropriate sites to provide new pitches within the wider
neighbourhood.

Existing Provision

Currently the IM Marsh site includes onsite private sports

pitches and courts, as shown within the diagram below.
These pitches were primarily used by the University and its
students to support the Campus, with some limited use by
community sports teams and groups. They have been closed
during the COVID-19 pandemic and during the past year.

It is not intended to re-open these pitches following the closure

and redevelopment of the campus; however, the University is
committed to providing a comprehensive mitigation package,
including relocation and investment in grass roots sports, to
ensure that there is a qualitative improvement in the City’s
playing pitches to offset any loss.

Rugby
Pitch

Emerging Sports Strategy

Football
Pitch

The strategy is currently being developed in detail, to ensure

that it is deliverable and will meet the requirements of City, in
the places where it is needed the most. The developing strategy Hockey
is subject to further discussion but it is proposed that the Pitch
University will:
• Provide investment, including new changing room facilities Tennis/
and drainage, into existing grass football pitches in Liverpool. Netball
court
This will support existing community teams and deliver
improvements where it is needed the most;

• Deliver a new full-sized, floodlit and fully serviced all weather

Hockey Pitch to support the City’s Hockey Clubs; and

• The redevelopment of the site will provide investment in the

improvement (such as drainage) of existing Rugby Pitches
(such as Sudley field) where it is most needed.

• Full details of where these improvements will be made is

under discussion and we welcome views as to where the
benefits of this investment would be best realised.
 IM Marsh

Community Benefits
The redevelopment of IM Marsh will offer an
opportunity to provide new and usable public
Delivering new jobs and investment
spaces and sports provision, to deliver new jobs
and investment in the local community and deliver
housing and social benefit where it is needed in
the South of Liverpool. Furthermore, this project
will support the growth of LJMU and its ongoing
Appro
ll time
reinvestment into the City as a major civic ly
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The proposed development will be supported by
a full travel plan. This travel plan will provide a

A)
the local economy
estment in LJMU

t
mechanism to encourage sustainable travel by

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investment and
rt significant

G
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ue Added (
offering new residents incentives and information economic
opportunities for
to discourage the need to use a car for many the local area and

Suppo

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for Liverpool
typical journeys. This will include a push to use

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reinv
cam

into
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local facilities that can be easily accessed by m

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infrastructure that could be implemented as part

of the development

Providing usable and accessible Meeting the needs of the city and
spaces, connections and facilities mitigating the impacts of development

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 IM Marsh

What Next?
Your Feedback
Your views on the masterplan are important to us and
we value your contribution. There are a number of ways
you can comment on the proposals as follows:

Online Feedback Form

Fill in the feedback form and submit it online

Email
Download the feedback form and email it to us
with your comments at
immarshconsultation@cbre.com

Website
Visit our website at
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/estates-
development/im-marsh

Engagement Timeline

We Are
Here Summer
June September
2021 2021 2021

Masterplan Initial pre- Emerging Consultation Completion of the Planning The

analysis and application masterplan on the consultation process and application University
baseline discussions developed emerging incorporating feedback and submitted plans to
studies with Liverpool masterplan development of the final to Liverpool vacate the
City Council masterplan City Council site

Next Steps

Following the end of the public consultation on Tuesday 15

June 2021, we will take into consideration the comments
received and look to incorporate them into the scheme
design where practicable.

Subject to the comments received, it is anticipated that a

planning application will then be submitted later in 2021.