Consultation on the second phase of the £1bn Knowledge Quarter project in Liverpool begins with plans for around 538,000 sq ft of new development. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool City Council and the University of Liverpool have launched a public consultation on phase two of the £1bn Knowledge Quarter project.
Launched in 2026, KQ Liverpool is a long-term project to create a world class hub of science and innovation on 30 acres of land just outside the city centre known as Paddington Village.
There has already been significant progress made on the scheme, most notably the 155,000 sq ft Spine building, 70,000 sq ft of which is occupied by the Royal College of Physicians.
Next to The Spine is the £38m Novotel Hotel. Other developments include the transformation of the former Sensor City into a £2m tech hub and the demolition of the former Smithdown Lane Police Station to clear a path for further development.
Also in the pipeline are the proposed HEMISPHERE One and HEMISPHERE Two buildings that will provide new office and commercial laboratory space.
This latest phase two masterplan aims to developer new research facilities, create jobs, improve biodiversity, offer safe and accessible active travel routes within a growing cycle network and re-establish Crown Street as a key connection into and through the area.
Subject to planning, work on a new £111m chemical sciences building is expected to start in 2027 with the facility opening in 2031.
Public consultation runs from Monday, March 9, until Sunday, April 19. Members of the public can click here to see information, visuals, and the opportunity to comment. Public events will also be announced to support the consultation process.
Cllr Nick Small, Liverpool City Council Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy said: “Paddington South is a once in a generation opportunity to transform a key part of the city’s Knowledge Quarter, creating jobs, supporting innovation and delivering exceptional public spaces.
“These are ambitious plans which will help cement Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter as one of the leading areas of innovation in Europe.”