The University of Liverpool has appointed leading real estate advisory firm CBRE as its strategic property advisor, supporting its plans to transform its circa 100-acre city centre campus. The appointment follows a highly competitive tender process for a three-year mandate.
The mandate across the entire University property portfolio, comprising almost 600 acres, 4.2m sq ft of non-residential floorspace and 5,100 student beds, secures a retained advisory role across multiple service lines including Office Agency, Valuation, Development, and Landlord & Tenant teams, supported by a suite of complementary property services.
Central to the mandate is a transformational brief encompassing reprovisioning, redevelopment and rationalisation across the estate. This work is central to the success of the Estate Strategy 2031+, itself an enabling strategy of Liverpool 2031 which sets out a vision to be recognised in the top-100 ranked universities worldwide. The partnership will help to shape the future of this major institution, influencing landmark developments, improving its asset base and identifying opportunities that will deliver lasting value for students, staff and the wider community.
CBRE teams will also advise on the proposed Academic Health Science Campus and Chemical Sciences Innovation new builds – two cornerstone priority projects within the University’s £650 million capital development programme over the next ten years.
Work has already commenced with the team mobilised on an Estate Optimisation Review, the first phase in delivering the University’s ambitious estate strategy, earmarked for completion by March 2026.
Neil Kirkham, Head of CBRE’s Liverpool office, commented:
“We are proud to have been chosen as the University of Liverpool’s strategic property partner at such a pivotal time in its estate evolution. It promises to be a key partnership to help deliver the University’s strategic objectives to reimagine and future-proof one of the city’s most important institutions. This mandate reflects the strength and integration of our regional and national teams, our deep understanding of the University’s campus, the local market and our commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for one of the city’s most important institutions.
Gavin, Thomas, Senior Director, CBRE’s Valuation Advisory team in Liverpool added:
“University of Liverpool is entering a new phase of transformation, underpinned by its Liverpool 2031 Framework. We are proud to work with the University on its ambitious Estates Strategy, supporting its long-term vision and goals which aim to reinforce its presence in the Knowledge Quarter, Liverpool City Region and beyond.”
David Furnival, Group Director for Property and Campus Services at the University of Liverpool, said:
“We are pleased to partner with CBRE as we deliver our Estates Strategy 2031+ and create a world-class campus experience that supports leading research, innovation and student success, while strengthening our contribution to the city of Liverpool and the wider region. This partnership is an important step in delivering the long-term vision set out in Liverpool 2031.”
