Liverpool John Moores University to sell I.M. Marsh Building after years closed, sparking local resident worries.
The campus closed in 2021, but JMU had wanted to close it since 2011. They wanted to use city center student housing. In 2021, they planned to sell the site, including demolishing the buildings to build 200 homes.
The plan also featured a park and cycle paths. These would connect to Mossley Hill Road. JMU stopped those plans a year later. They chose to keep the I.M. Marsh site.
A consultation then supported this decision. JMU, however, did not promise to teach there again. Now, JMU says they will sell it, and people living nearby are worried.
Dave Thomas started a petition on February 8. He wants the site to stay a sports facility and chairs the Mossley Hill Residents Association. Thomas says the land may become housing.
This strains the local area and erases a key community place. He mentions traffic and public services, also the potential loss of sports facilities. Nearby Carnatic Halls may also be sold.
The residents want their voices heard. Thomas says they engage everyone, including JMU, the city, and Sport England. They think I.M. Marsh should stay for sports and not become another housing estate.
The Echo asked JMU about the petition’s concerns. A spokesperson stated that JMU has not taught or played sports there for years and moved everything downtown.
JMU will sell the site, and they will talk to residents, Liverpool City Council, and Sport England will be involved too.