Vision plans knowledge quarter demand study

Economic development agency, Liverpool Vision, is preparing to commission a survey of property requirements in the east of the city centre.

The area between London Road and Hardman Street includes the university district, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Royal Liverpool University Hospital and is seen as a priority in Vision's business plan.

Growth opportunities already being considered include acquiring the Royal Mail depot on Copperas Hill, set to be vacated in a consolidation of regional postal services to Warrington.

There is also an emerging plan to create a 'biomedical health park' alongside the new Royal Hospital when it is rebuilt.

Andy Green of Vision said the universities occupied 1% of land mass but generated 15% of the city's GVA economic productivity measure.

A steering group has been established and a consultant is expected to be commissioned shortly to carry out the demand study.