City mayor trumpets life sciences hub plan bringing 10,000 jobs

A FLAGSHIP development scheme which could create up to 10,000 jobs at the former Archbishop Blanch school site in Liverpool has been unveiled by city Mayor Joe Anderson.

The proposed 1.8 million sq ft development at Minshull Street on the outskirts of the city centre will create a scheme of national and international importance, specialising in cutting-edge life and medical sciences.

The site will include Grade A office space along with units focused on the life sciences sector.

The scheme will form a key plank of the Knowledge Quarter Mayoral Development Zone, with Phase One likely to begin on-site in 2017.

The extension of the Knowledge Quarter will bring essential additions to what is fast becoming one of Europe’s leading innovation districts and one of the UKs largest academic and clinical campuses.

Also, in order to meet the needs of local people, commuters, academics, students, patients and hospital visitors, the plans will also include a new rail station with access to the existing underground network and the national high speed rail network via Lime Street Station.

It is envisaged that the scheme will become a major contribution to the Northern Powerhouse initiative, raising productivity, improving skills and providing the infrastructure to develop the life sciences sector in the City Region.

Anderson said: “The extension of our Knowledge Quarter is a game-changer in terms of the high-quality jobs we will be able to bring into the city in hi-tech, 21st century industries.

“This will help us to develop our Knowledge Quarter as we work with all our partners, including the University of Liverpool and the proposed health campus at the Royal Hospital to make the city a beacon for investment in this and similar sectors.

“We want to build on the success we are already achieving to make Liverpool a leader in this field.”