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LIVERPOOL John Moores University last night announced Maghull Developments as its preferred partner for the controversial sale of four buildings around Hope Street.
The Hahnemann Building (42 Hope Street), 68 Hope Street, 2 Blackburne Place and Josephine Butler House (Myrtle Street) are currently occupied by departments from the Liverpool School of Art and Design and the School of Law.
The proposed sale has prompted severe criticism from the Liverpool Heritage Forum as 68 Hope Street was where John Lennon went to art school.
Once sold, the Art school departments will relocate to JMU's new £23.5m Art and Design Academy which is expected to open next to the Metropolitan Cathedral in 2008.
The School of Law will be integrated with the rest of the Faculty of Business and Law in the John Foster Building.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Brown said: "Naturally, there has been great concern expressed about the university leaving these buildings, particularly 68 Hope Street.
"Despite all of the hysteria that has been generated recently, I can now reveal that LJMU has been working behind the scenes to ensure that 68 Hope Street continues to have a creative output and it is the intention that elements of the building will have a future role in arts education.
"I am delighted that, once the formal negotiations are complete, Maghull Developments will be the custodians."
Maghull Developments is Liverpool-based and the university stressed its proven track record.
Managing director Michael Hanlon, an LJMU graduate, said: "The refurbishment and redevelopment of this suite of buildings will play a significant role in the on-going renaissance of Liverpool, up to and beyond the Capital of Culture.
"Maghull Developments is delighted to have been selected as the preferred developer."
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