Hopwood Hall College to get £4.8m revamp of historic building

Monday, 7 July 2025 14:01

By George Lythgoe

Hopwood Hall College can now push forward with the transformation of a Grade II-listed building thanks to a huge cash boost.

The chapel – a prototype of the iconic Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral – will soon become a one-of-a-kind innovative skills hub at the college’s Middleton Campus. The college has secured £4.8m in funding to begin the next stage of a project that’s breathing new life into the landmark.

The space will be utilised for cutting edge facilities such as IT labs featuring equipment like VR headsets.

According to the college, once complete it will allow them to remain an industry leader when it comes to ‘offering the skills-based training that drives growth for the borough and beyond’.

The plans will maintain the structure’s famous features such as the raised altar platform and the historic roof. Plus, the interior design will uphold the geometry of the original layout.

The chapel was originally designed as a place of worship but was eventually deconsecrated in the 1990s.

It is famously the prototype of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, which was completed in 1967 after being designed by renowned architect Frederick Gibberd.

Earlier this month, the Cathedral made headlines when it was announced it would be upgraded to a Grade I-listed building.

Julia Heap, principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College and University Centre, said: “We’re extremely excited about the plans in store for the breathtaking chapel at our Middleton Campus.

“The building still holds much of its original beauty and is a favourite of students, staff and visitors at the college.

“We look forward to maintaining its unique features and heritage, while at the same time making it a beacon for technical education and skills training.”