Liverpool launches rebranded KQ gateway masterplan

The city council has revealed further details of its Knowledge Quarter gateway masterplan, now known as Upper Central, as it looks to bring forward 2.5m sq ft of development opportunities over the 56-acre plot.

Avison Young, K2 Architects, and Planit-IE were appointed last year to draw up plans for the gateway site, linking the Fabric District to the north, Ropewalks, the Knowledge Quarter, and the Liverpool John Moores University and University of Liverpool campuses.

The site runs from Central Station to Liverpool Science Park, and Lime Street to Bold Street.

Now rebranded as Upper Central, the council’s vision is to bring forward mixed-use development targeted at creating a “magnet” for digital, tech, and creative industries, featuring 2.5m sq ft of new development with the potential for up to 7,000 jobs.

The council is also aiming to enhance connectivity, promoting pedestrian movement and creating a “positive first impression” on arrival from both Lime Street and Central railway stations.

A “super-crossing” at Renalgh Place, a new pedestrian focus along Renshaw Street, and a walking route between Lime Street station and Copperas Hill.

Mount Pleasant Car Park is also being set aside for the council to develop an “international standard gateway”.

Liverpool’s cabinet is due to sign off the consultation on the strategic regeneration framework at a meeting next Friday.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “Upper Central is vital to this city’s economic future and such is the scale of its potential it will be a huge employer for generations to come.

“This gateway project is now the final piece in the jigsaw to connect the site to the rest of the city centre and complete the wider regeneration of Lime Street, Mount Pleasant and Brownlow Hill. Its impact cannot be underestimated and I’m sure this draft SRF report will create a much need debate about how we ensure the future growth of this hugely important area.”

Colin Sinclair, chief executive of KQ Liverpool, added: “The phenomenal growth of KQ Liverpool, along with the ongoing regeneration of Lime Street, has shone the spotlight on Upper Central. It represents one of the greatest development opportunities in the UK and, alongside Paddington Village, will have a major impact on the city’s economy, creating thousands of jobs, in science, tech, health, education, retail and leisure. The SRF will truly allow us to plan a world-class development, enabling Liverpool to continue to compete with any city in Europe.”

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So many opportunities here. Exciting for the city. I personally hope the redistribution of car parking is done sensibly and more sustainable transport solutions are explored. The public realm needs to be high quality and the architecture needs to follow suit.

By Anonymous

Exciting times for Liverpool this is a game changer for the city , high quality developments on site and many more to follow fantastic that RCP chose Liverpool for its Northern Headquarters along with Riba as the Citys architecture is outstanding.

By Frances

Forget the nimbys. Just get on with it.

By Mmcd Bixteth

Great to hear this! Upper Central is a great name. The architecture book ‘Seaport’ identified Liverpool’s layers from Waterfront to Plateau and above a long time ago.
I agree with all the aspirations in this article, but I would propose a route from behind the Adelphi at the ‘international gateway’ to link better with Renshaw Street taking traffic off the new Lime Square.

By Roscoe

Talking of GATEWAY’S why dont they finish the great Howard street one ?

By Wayne

Please please don’t leave the Liverpool people behind keep them involved

By Mike cooney

This is great and I love it. But being completely honest I have never really understood the term ‘gateway’. Gateway to what? Another dimension? Isn’t it just making a better place in the city and making it distinctive and interesting to be in..

By Adam Ash

Liverpool is one of the most historic gateway’s to the world. I hope the government don’t stop it this time and we get the office’s we deserve. I can’t wait to come out of Lime Street and see big towering office buildings.

By Mary Woolley

Funny thing is most people who work for the council only have a vague idea where the knowledge quarter actually is, never mind upper central! Development and investment should always be welcomed by really what Liverpool needs is a major change to its transport infrastructure. Unless this happens the city will never truly unlock its potential.

By Anonymous

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