Plans progress for £45m transformation of Liverpool’s former National Express site

Mount Property Group has completed the site purchase of the former National Express station in Liverpool.

The developer has envisioned a large student scheme housing 566 residential units, with 472 set in clusters and the other 92 built as studio flats.

The £45m GDV gateway development will comprise two blocks of 16 storeys and 10 storeys.

Mount Property Group acquired the site from Anwyl, North Wales’ largest house builder.

The company is hoping to start work on the project in September. It has teamed up with architecture practice Falconer Chester Hall on the development, which has the working title ‘Natex’. A contractor is yet to be chosen.

The scheme – bounded by Norton Street, Islington and Fraser Street – will include laundry facilities, meeting rooms, study space and gyms.

A Mount Property Group spokesperson said: “The Liverpool city centre population has doubled in the past decade, due in large part to the huge increase in student numbers and the appeal of living in the city centre.

“Official figures published in 2016 showed that over two thirds of Liverpool’s city centre population were between the ages of 17 and 29. An enormous number of these are students.”

They continued: “The expansion of the Knowledge Quarter is expected to be a major draw for international students with The University of Liverpool already having over 34% international students compared to a UK average of 25%.

“We want to offer both local and international students first class accommodation in a location ideal for them.”

Mount Property Group expects work to complete in time for the 2020 student intake.