A multi-million pound research and development facility that could create thousands of jobs is to be the latest addition to Liverpool’s burgeoning knowledge quarter.
The green light has been given to Sciontec to construct its eight storey Hemisphere building on land at Paddington Village, previously occupied by Archbishop Blanch girls’ school.
The development will sit alongside existing major projects including The Spine, a 14-storey building occupied by the Royal College of Physicians, the 17- storey Novotel Hotel, the 13-storey ‘live-learn’ facility of University of Liverpool International College, the Rutherford Cancer Centre, and a 1,250 space multi-storey car park.
READ MORE: First picture of woman suspected of murder after dad stabbed to death
Elected members at a meeting of Liverpool Council 's planning committee were told how the “high quality addition” to the area would be a “striking building” and marked a £35m investment by Sciontec, owners of Liverpool Science Park. The new build, which is expected to be the first net zero carbon workspace in the Liverpool City Region, would provide the equivalent of more than 1,000 full time equivalent jobs and add £50m to the city’s GVA.
While no additional parking will be provided, more than 160 cycle spaces would be available as part of the development. The building will be in a “cleared and vacant highly prominent plot located within a central position on the northern periphery of Paddington Village (Central), adjacent to Mount Vernon Road.”
Work is expected to get underway next year, with completion slated for 2025. Consideration had been given to how the proposed new site would affect the visual impact of listed buildings including the city’s historic cathedrals, with Feargal McEvoy, city centre team leader, saying it represented “another success story for the city.”
Councillors were full of praise for the plans, with Mirna Juarez describing it as "an exciting application for the city" and Pat Moloney adding how he was "quite impressed" by the proposal. Planning Committee chair Cllr Tony Concepcion said the development was “something the city wants and welcomes.”
In a statement, Colin Sinclair, Sciontec chief executive, said: “The granting of planning permission for HEMISPHERE marks a significant milestone for the team at Sciontec, enabling our commitment to sustainable development, economic growth, wellbeing and innovation to progress at pace. We are promising to make HEMISPHERE the most cycling commuter friendly workspace in the city centre, by not only including 166 secure cycle spaces but all e-bike charging facilities, drying facilities, changing rooms and showers for cyclists.
“As a cyclist myself, I know how important it is to not only recharge your bike whilst at work but also to dry the clothes you wore to cycle in and to store your kit securely. We want to make commuting by bike a viable option all year round.
“What’s more, our future customers at HEMISPHERE will also benefit from a wellness studio and yoga classes, as well as KQ Liverpool’s range of innovation services, and be part of the ‘Village’ community that is coming to life in this thriving and increasingly vibrant part of the city centre.”
Elsewhere, committee members gave their approval to seven residential apartments to be made available above the Home Bargains store on Bold Street. Mr McEvoy said the floors above the shop had been "vacant for some time" and the flats would "bring the area back to life."
Hot Water Comedy Club 's expansion outside of the city centre into Kirkdale was also backed after permission was granted for the redevelopment of a former transport depot into a new comedy and entertainment venue. The former warehouse on Blackstock Street will house into comedy and live music performance areas, a food market, bars and rooftop terraces, a podcast theatre, recording studios and ancillary accommodation.
Cllr Joe Hanson, Kirkdale member, said: "It's welcome, it's something different, it complements what's going on in the Ten Streets."
Get the top stories straight to your inbox by signing up to our what's on newsletter
READ NEXT:
First picture of woman suspected of murder after dad stabbed to death
Much loved pub that 'fed thousands' closes leaving people 'gutted'
Ring doorbell footage captures lads making heartwarming decision
Mum caught sex offender grooming daughter after checking her phone
Mum goes to Asda every day at 6am in search of Prime energy drink
