£17m Edge Hill life sciences facility progresses

John Turner Construction Group will commence work on the university’s teaching and research building in the coming days.

West Lancashire Council granted planning permission for the project on Friday, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of this year.

ABW Architects drew up the plans for the three-storey life sciences facility will provide teaching and research labs, seminar/meeting rooms, plant rooms, and office space.

Located within Edge Hill University’s Ormskirk campus on St Helens Road, the two-and-a-half acre site currently comprises a former car park and student accommodation to be demolished.

The £17.4m project is the first stage of a wider masterplan for the development of the central campus area. Plans include the creation of a new Students’ Union and specialist clinically-led facilities for the Medical School.

The project is expected to be completed this year. Credit: via Edge Hill University

Deputy vice-chancellor Steve Igoe said: “This is a critical moment in Edge Hill University’s continued development.

“Life sciences is an area which is constantly evolving, and is seen as a prime opportunity for growth in the country…” he added.

“We need to be proactive and create facilities which will serve the next generation of researchers and students.”

The Office for Students awarded the university £5.8m of funding for the facility.

Smith & Love Planning Consultants is advising on the plans for the scheme.

AJP is consulting on flood risk and Rosiben is consulting on sustainability.

Erap is the ecological consultant on the scheme.

West Lancashire Council’s reference number for the application is 2022/0878/FUL.