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The university, which has declared its intention to charge tuition fees of ?9,000 a year from 2012-13, said the investment was part of a drive to provide a ¡°world-class student experience¡±. In addition to the sum spent on accommodation, Liverpool has made a ?9 million commitment to refurbish the Guild of Students.

Around ?350 million has been earmarked for an improvement of academic facilities. This includes ?25 million for new teaching laboratories for science-based subjects, ?32 million for teaching facilities in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and ?70 million for a scientific research facility, which is scheduled for completion later this year.

Steven Dickson, director of facilities management at Liverpool, said the cash injection was in line with the institution¡¯s strategic plan to enhance the student experience and research excellence: ¡°Applications for our [student] accommodation have doubled this year and it¡¯s important that we make this significant investment in order to meet demand in the future. The student population is very important to the city ¨C students contribute around ?300 million to Liverpool¡¯s economy every year,¡± he said.

sarah.cunnane@tsleducation.com