Consultation on £1bn science hub begins
A MAJOR consultation exercise is beginning to get public feedback on the £1bn masterplan to create a world-leading science hub in Liverpool.
Paddington Village, which lies less than a mile from the city centre, is the 30-acre flagship development of Liverpool’s new Knowledge Quarter and aims to create an estimated 10,000 new highly skilled jobs.
To guide its progress a draft Spatial Regeneration Framework (SRF) has been created. This will focus on creating a world-class investment environment for knowledge-based businesses and a new vibrant residential neighbourhood.
Recently approved by Liverpool City Council, public consultation on the SRF begins today (Monday November 7), running until 5pm on Friday December 23.
As part of the consultation, a public exhibition is due to take place at Kensington Fields Community Centre on Tuesday November 22, from 2pm to 7pm.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson announced the establishment of the Knowledge Quarter as one of five Mayoral Development Zones at the International Festival of Business (IFB) in June.
Mayor Anderson said: “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.
“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.’’
Situated in sight of the new Royal Liverpool Hospital, Paddington Village consists of three zones across an 11 acre site.
Occupiers already secured for Paddington Central are the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) for a Northern Centre of Excellence, and a 45,000 sf ft ‘live-learn facility’ for Liverpool International College made up of flats and lecture halls.
The arrival of the RCP will signal the start of phase one of the 10-year development site, encompassing 18.3 million sq ft of high quality office and residential space.
