Royal College of Physicians opens phase one of Northern centre in Liverpool

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has opened part one of its new centre of clinical excellence in Liverpool.

The development’s first phase saw two floors of the William Henry Duncan Building, owned by Liverpool University, converted into space for clinical examinations, workshops and offices.

RCP’s Regional Office for Mersey and North Western is the first department to have moved in.

Phase one marks the beginning of a long-term plan from RCP to enhance its services outside London, responding in particular to calls for more education and research in the North of England, as well as in North Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Tuesday (October 10) was attended by guests including representatives of the Knowledge Quarter, Liverpool City Council, health centres, cultural organisations and others regional stakeholders.

RCP president Prof. Jane Dacre, Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson, Liverpool University vice chancellor Prof. Janet Beer and former RCP president Prof. Sir Ian Gilmore were among those to speak at the opening.

Phase two of RCP North – the development of the organisation’s £35m, 70,000 sq ft permanent Northern home – will occupy a prime position within Paddington Village, part of the Knowledge Quarter.

The scheme, designed by AHR architects, is due to open in 2020.