Knowledge Quarter set for investor hunt

KQ Liverpool’s spin-out development company, now known as Sciontec, will use the upcoming MIPIM to launch the search for a private investor to work alongside the city’s council and universities as the partnership seeks new projects across the City Region.

The creation of Sciontec Liverpool is set to be approved next week by Liverpool City Council’s cabinet. The devco is jointly owned by the council, Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool.

The brand reflects the company’s purpose of developing space for science, innovation and technology occupiers.

Knowledge Quarter projects have recently focused around the £1bn Paddington Village, however the creation of Sciontec and the search for a private sector investor is part of a plan to widen the organisation’s remit and deliver science and tech developments across the entire City Region. There are also plans to invest and expand facilities at Liverpool Science Park.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson said: “Sciontec Liverpool does exactly what it says on the tin. It brings together science, innovation and technology and will further strengthen the relationship between business and academia.

“We want the world to know that, despite all the economic uncertainty, Liverpool is open for business and looking for an investor who shares our vision to join us on this exciting journey.”

Mark Power, interim vice-chancellor of LJMU, said: “Although established in the Knowledge Quarter, Sciontec will look for development opportunities across the whole of the city region, whilst continuing to work with the wider KQ Liverpool partners on a strategic level.

“If we want to increase the commercialisation of research, foster more spin-outs and starts ups and help our businesses to grow, we need to provide the places and spaces where innovation can happen organically.”

Colin Sinclair has been appointed as the interim chief executive of Sciontec Liverpool, whilst retaining his strategic and placemaking role at KQ Liverpool.

Sciontec will launch the search for an investment partner on Wednesday 13 March in Cannes.