NatWest backs 237 campus bedspaces at University of Liverpool
The Mulberry Partnership, a joint venture between UQ Partnerships and the university, has secured a £12.9m development loan from the bank to support delivery in two phases.
NatWest’s funding will enable the phased refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing buildings at Mulberry Court, transforming underused accommodation into affordable student housing within the university’s city campus.
The development will deliver 98 rooms for the 2027/28 academic year, followed by a further 139 rooms for 2028/29.
Contractor Rooms Group was engaged to deliver the project in March, plans for the first part of the scheme having been lodged last September. This covers redevelopment of a largely vacant cluster of student halls close to the city’s Metropolitan Cathedral.
Chestnut and Vine House, Walnut House, Cypress House, and Porter Lodge will be modernised and reconfigured under the plans. The buildings range from four to six storeys and all date back to the late 1970s.
By bringing existing buildings back into productive use, the scheme is designed to increase the availability of affordable accommodation while enhancing the student experience, the JV said.
UQ Partnerships is a specialist university platform, backed by the Kexgill Group with almost 50 years of experience in the student accommodation sector.
Unlike the majority of purpose-built student accommodation developments, the project will refurbish and repurpose existing buildings within or close to campuses, bringing underused assets back into productive use.
Richard Stott, joint managing director of Kexgill, said: “Affordable accommodation remains one of the biggest challenges facing students and universities across the UK. Through the Mulberry Partnership, we are demonstrating how universities and specialist accommodation providers can work together to increase supply, improve affordability and deliver a better student experience.
“By refurbishing existing buildings and bringing them back into use, we’re creating high-quality homes for students while delivering a model that has the potential to be replicated at other universities in the future.”
Matthew Clough, director of campus services at the University of Liverpool, said: “Providing high-quality, affordable accommodation on campus is important to many of our students. Mulberry Court will be a valuable addition to our accommodation offer and reflects our commitment to supporting students throughout their university experience.”
Andrew Dexter, relationship director at NatWest, said: “The demand for affordable student accommodation continues to grow, creating challenges for universities, students and local communities alike.
“This partnership brings together the strengths of the University of Liverpool and UQ Partnerships to deliver a practical solution that will increase the supply of affordable accommodation while making productive use of existing buildings. We’re pleased to support a project that will have a lasting impact for students and the city.”
