Jointly owned by Liverpool City Council, Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool, Sciontec Liverpool will officially launch at MIPIM in March. Tony McDonough reports

A new spin-off from Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter (KQ Liverpool) project is seeking a private investor to push forward new multi-million pound developments.

KQ Liverpool is overseeing the development of the city’s £2bn Knowledge Quarter and now a new vehicle – Sciontec Liverpool – will look to enhance and expand Liverpool’s existing knowledge economy assets, including Liverpool Science Park.

Jointly owned by Liverpool City Council, Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool, subject to Cabinet approval, Sciontec will kick-start its search for an investor at the global property expo, MIPIM, in Cannes next month.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, who is overseeing the £1bn development of Paddington Village in KQ Liverpool, said: “Sciontec Liverpool does exactly what it says on the tin. It brings together science, innovation and technology and will further strengthen the relationship between business and academia.

“We want the world to know that, despite all the economic uncertainty, Liverpool is open for business and looking for an investor who shares our vision to join us on this exciting journey.”

Colin Sinclair has been appointed as the interim chief executive of Sciontec Liverpool, whilst retaining his strategic and place making role at KQ Liverpool.  The investor selection process will be officially launched on March 13 during a morning of announcements being made by the Liverpool delegation at MIPIM.

Professor Dame Janet Beer, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool and interim chair of Sciontec Liverpool, added: “By bringing together our city’s leading universities and dynamic city council with the private sector, we are demonstrating our commitment to attracting long-term, sustainable growth into the city region.”