MIPIM UK | Sciontec moves forward with Knowledge Quarter expansion

A 350,000 sq ft outline planning application to extend Liverpool Science Park is set to be submitted by the end of the year, along with a redesign of the next office proposed at Paddington Village.

Designed by K2 Architects, and brought forward alongside Liverpool City Council, the scheme would add to the 120,000 sq ft of office and lab space at the Science Park, which according to Sciontec Liverpool’s chief executive Colin Sinclair is now 95% let.

In July, Bruntwood SciTech was named private sector partner in Sciontec Liverpool, the Knowledge Quarter’s spin-out development company, taking a 25% stake in the venture. On announcing the deal, building an office at Paddington Village and delivering an extension to the Science Park were named as the first priorities.

Speaking to Place North West at MIPIM UK, Sinclair said the legal agreement for the partnership was set to be finalised in the coming weeks, and with it would be some changes to the existing Knowledge Quarter delivery plan in order to respond to high demand for space.

In March, Sciontec revealed proposals for a 160,000 sq ft office aimed at the creative and scientific sectors, No5 Paddington Village. However, due to occupier interest, the proposals for the office are set to be tweaked to allow for larger floorplates of up to 17,000 sq ft, an offer not currently available in the Liverpool market. The office would change location, and be on a plot previously earmarked for residential use, in order to allow space for a cantilevered-design.

Sciontec is working with AHR Architects on No5 Paddington Village. AHR is also the architect behind The Spine, the 200,000 sq ft building which is set to complete next year and will be the Northern home of the Royal College of Physicians. RCP has signed for 70,000 sq ft, and deals are understood to be close to being announced for fellow health and tech occupiers, which would take the building to 70% pre-let.

Sciontec has also acquired a building on Brownlow Hill, 2a Francey Street, for use as flexible workspace for creative and digital occupiers, in order to deliver space for start-ups as the Science Park nears capacity.

Speaking on a panel at MIPIM UK, Sinclair said the Knowledge Quarter development “is about the regeneration of a global city in the North, in an inclusive way.

“When cities regenerate themselves, often they don’t manage to achieve inclusive growth, businesses aren’t given the finance to succeed.

“The Knowledge Quarter is about upskilling the local population, and bringing a real focus on health and education.”