Liverpool Knowledge Quarter: Views wanted on £1bn science hub

A consultation will begin this week (November 7) to gather public views on the £1bn plan to turn part of Liverpool into a world-leading science hub.

Paddington Village, located within a mile of the city centre, forms the nucleus of Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter and will aim to create around 10k new skilled jobs.

To guide the masterplan, a draft Spatial Regeneration Framework (SRF) has been developed that focuses on creating a strong investment environment for knowledge-based enterprises and a new residential neighbourhood.

With the SRF approved recently by Liverpool City Council, a public consultation will now run until December 23. An open exhibition will be held at Kensington Fields Community Centre on November 22 from 2pm to 7pm.

Paddington Village is located in sight of the new Royal Liverpool Hospital and comprises three zones to be delivered in three phases across a 30-acre site:

• Phase one – Paddington Central, situated at the heart of Paddington Village, will see tall buildings and a new urban square complement the adjacent university buildings

• Phase two – Paddington South will be largely residential and create medium- to high-density development along with green space

• Phase three – Paddington North will also be predominantly residential, fronting onto Kensington Fields

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is due to establish a Northern Centre of Excellence at Paddington Central, while Liverpool International College has announced plans for a 45,000 sq ft ‘live-learn facility’ composed of flats and lecture halls.

RCP’s arrival will signal the start of phase one of the 10-year development, which will deliver 1.8 million sq ft of office and residential space.

An artist’s impression of the RCP tower

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson announced the Knowledge Quarter at the International Festival of Business (IFB) in the summer. The masterplan is one of five Mayoral Development Zones.

Mayor Anderson commented: “Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter is an absolute game changer for the city in terms of job creation and investment and will redefine our reputation as a world leading centre for research.

“Paddington Village is the flagship development for the quarter and plans for it are hugely ambitious as befitting its status.”

He added: “The Spatial Regeneration Framework is a vital tool in spelling out how we will develop Paddington Village and this public consultation is key to its success.”