Inside Liverpool Knowledge Quarter: How a £1bn Plan is Shaping the City’s Future

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What is Knowledge Quarter Liverpool?

Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) is a 450-acre world-leading innovation district, covering over half of Liverpool city centre. It is a hub for science, health, technology, education, and the creative and performing arts, bringing together influential players from these fields.

KQ Liverpool fosters collaboration among cultural institutions plus businesses. You can also notice researchers, and clinicians driving global innovation here. The key partner is Liverpool City Council. The council has actively supported the dynamic growth of this development.

The district is home to pioneering institutions. This list includes the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine along with Liverpool Science Park and the Materials Innovation Factory. Major developments here are the Paddington Village expansion site and the Rutherford Cancer Centre. They are reinforcing their position as a leader. That too in science health and technology. This is to ensure Liverpool remains at the forefront of global innovation.

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Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter: A Vision for 2025

KQ Liverpool, a world-leading innovation district at the heart of Liverpool City Centre, has unveiled its strategic vision for the next five years. This vision, developed through consultation with over 60 key stakeholders, aims to address the Liverpool City Region’s immediate economic challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic while laying a roadmap for long-term sustainable growth.

City Mayor Joe Anderson highlighted the significant progress made since the inception of the KQ Liverpool mayoral development zone, positioning Liverpool as a global innovation hub. He emphasised the importance of Upper Central and Paddington Village as key drivers of economic transformation, focusing on world-class health, science, and technology sectors.

Colin Sinclair, Chief Executive of KQ Liverpool and Sciontec Liverpool, stressed the urgency of the 2025 Vision as a blueprint for economic recovery. By leveraging culture and innovation, Liverpool aims to navigate post-pandemic challenges and emerge stronger, capitalising on its expertise in life sciences and technology.

key stakeholders of KQ Liverpool

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The 2025 Vision is built upon five key pillars

01.

Attracting and retaining top talent

Creating a dynamic environment that nurtures skilled professionals and future leaders.

02.

Growing businesses and securing inward investment

Strengthening Liverpool’s position as an attractive destination for international businesses and investors.

03.

Encouraging purposeful collaboration

Enhancing cooperation between academic institutions, businesses, and public sector organisations to drive innovation.

04.

Enhancing community engagement and inclusivity

Ensuring that economic and technological growth benefits the wider community.

05.

Building a greener, smarter city

Prioritising sustainability, smart infrastructure, and environmentally conscious urban planning.

This strategy aligns with new KQ Liverpool developments, including commercial space at Paddington Central, The HILL at Paddington North and Central Park, and the expansion of Liverpool Science Park.

The Role of Sciontec and Future Growth

Professor Dame Janet Beer, Chair of KQ Liverpool and Sciontec Liverpool, emphasised that the district is greater than the sum of its parts, linking cultural and commercial organisations, academics, clinicians, and scientists to showcase world-class innovation in Liverpool City Region.

The success of KQ Liverpool has led to the formation of Sciontec, a commercial partnership between Liverpool City Council, the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, and Bruntwood SciTech. This initiative will drive further expansion of Paddington Village, Liverpool Science Park, and a new tech cluster at Copperas Hill in Upper Central.

Sciontec Liverpool will play a pivotal role in job creation, both in construction and innovation-led industries, supporting Liverpool’s short-term health crisis recovery and long-term economic growth. KQ Liverpool will focus on placemaking, enhancing people’s quality of life, and fostering inclusive growth through partnership and collaboration.

By building on its existing strengths, KQ Liverpool will play a vital role in the city region’s economic future, championing environmental sustainability and inclusive development. The district will continue to drive forward Liverpool’s ambition to be a leader in science, health, technology, and education, ensuring a prosperous and resilient future.

Contribution of US as Liverpool City Region's largest export destination

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Expanding Liverpool’s Global Influence: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Over the past four years, Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) has bolstered its global presence, forging strong connections with key international markets, notably the United States. The U.S. stands as Liverpool City Region’s largest export destination, accounting for £1.8 billion annually, and serves as a significant source of foreign direct investment (FDI), with American companies injecting £2.1 billion into the local economy.

KQ Liverpool has actively participated in prominent international forums, such as the MIPIM Property Conference in Cannes. Scheduled for March 2025, MIPIM offers a platform to showcase £11 billion in real estate opportunities, aligning with Mayor Steve Rotheram’s goal to increase FDI into the Liverpool City Region by 25% by the end of the decade.

A Lasting Legacy: Infrastructure and Innovation

The transformation of Paddington Village over the last four years has been monumental, with the £1bn flagship development site becoming a beacon of progress.

Major institutions such as the Royal College of Physicians (RCP North) and Rutherford Cancer Centre have already invested in the site, reinforcing Liverpool’s reputation as a leader in science, technology, education, and health. These developments will continue attracting high-caliber businesses, researchers, and investors, creating a dynamic ecosystem for knowledge-intensive industries.

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Angel Gardens is located in an up-and-coming district of Liverpool. It is in close proximity to two major regeneration projects: the £150 million Project Jennifer and the £5.1 billion Liverpool Waters scheme.

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Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter: The Regeneration Center

Liverpool Knowledge Quarter is a global innovation hub. It combines integrated science with health technology and education. It is backed by Liverpool City Council and key stakeholders. This ongoing regeneration has transformed it into a center for research. Advanced industries and major developments are also a part of this regeneration process. All these features solidify its status in innovation and culture.

Shaw Street and Project Jennifer

The Northern Knowledge Quarter is seeing major investment. This includes projects like Shaw Street and Project Jennifer. These projects boost education and creativity at every level. Liverpool Hope University’s Everton Campus and private investors are revitalising historic buildings. It is expanding the district's innovation potential. There are a total of 1.8m sq ft of new developments. This boosts high-performance computing with key facilities like RCP North and the Rutherford Cancer Centre. Nearby, Angel Gardens benefits from this growth. This sits close to the £150m Project Jennifer and the £5.1bn Liverpool Waters scheme.

City Centre Movement Strategy

The Liverpool City Centre Movement Strategy (CCMS) is a £73mn initiative designed to enhance the transport network within Liverpool city centre. A collaboration between Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Vision, and Merseytravel, this programme aims to improve road infrastructure, pedestrian-friendly zones, and public spaces. The eastern section of the strategy is particularly relevant to the Knowledge Quarter, focusing on major streets like Brownlow Hill, Moss Street, Mount Pleasant, West Derby Street, and Crown Street. These improvements will ensure better connectivity between educational institutions such as Liverpool John Moores University and the wider city region.

Kings Waterfront and Arena Development

The Kings Waterfront, encompassing the Arena and Convention Centre (ACC) Liverpool, has significantly contributed to the city's economic growth since its opening in 2008. The ACC Liverpool complex, which includes the M&S Bank Arena, the Convention Centre, and Exhibition Centre Liverpool, has hosted over 4,500 events, attracting more than 8.3 million visitors and generating an economic impact exceeding £2.1 billion for the Liverpool city region. In 2024, the ACC Liverpool hosted the Labour Party Annual Conference, welcoming over 20,000 delegates and generating an estimated £30 million in economic impact. The conference utilised the entire events campus, including the M&S Bank Arena, and is set to return in 2025 for its fourth consecutive year at the waterfront venue.

Islington Planning Framework

The Islington Planning Framework is a strategic initiative by Liverpool City Council aimed at revitalising the Islington area, preserving its historic street grid while promoting productive redevelopment. This framework emphasises enhancing frontages along Islington and integrating the district into the broader transformation of the Knowledge Quarter. A key focus is the Fabric District, historically associated with the textile industry, which has faced neglect in recent years. Collaborative efforts between the Fabric District Community Interest Company and the council are underway to regenerate the area, attracting innovative businesses and fostering a vibrant community.

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Baltic Triangle and Independent District

The Baltic Triangle, a new £100m Liverpool has transformed into a vibrant hub for creative and digital industries. This evolution has been guided by strategic planning initiatives, notably the Baltic Triangle Development Framework, adopted in December 2017, which articulates a shared vision for the area’s future and establishes principles for development.

In 2020, Liverpool City Council commissioned a Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) to further guide the area’s growth, ensuring alignment with the city’s broader vision for innovation and cultural vitality.

The Baltic Triangle’s strategic location adjacent to the Knowledge Quarter fosters opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, integrating creative enterprises with Liverpool’s broader innovation ecosystem. This synergy is poised to drive economic growth and reinforce the city’s reputation as a hub for creativity and technological advancement.

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Character Areas of the Liverpool Knowledge Quarter

The Liverpool Knowledge Quarter (KQ Liverpool) is undergoing significant transformation, with various character areas contributing to its development. Some of them are listed below

Campus University

At the heart of KQ Liverpool, the University of Liverpool's campus spans 100+ buildings and serves over 22,000 students. Alongside Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool International College, it forms a strong science, tech, education, and health hub. The £1 billion Paddington Village expansion connects the campus to the city centre, driving innovation. However, fragmented spaces and surface parking remain challenges. To improve cohesion, KQ Liverpool is developing new projects to keep the campus a vibrant hub for education and health.

Cathedrals

Liverpool Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral dominate KQ Liverpool’s skyline. The latter, completed in 1967, is undergoing a transformation by Buttress architects to enhance visitor experience and ensure its future. Despite their grandeur, the surrounding areas remain underutilised, with university buildings and social housing lacking vibrancy. In response, Liverpool City Council and KQ Liverpool are revitalising these spaces, integrating them into the city's vision for science, health, tech, and culture. Plans include more green spaces and cultural initiatives to establish the area as a creative and performing arts hub.

Lime Street

Serving as a crucial gateway, Lime Street connects KQ Liverpool to the city's commercial and cultural districts. However, heavy traffic and inadequate pedestrian pathways impede seamless movement. In response, Liverpool City Council, alongside KQ Liverpool, has unveiled a 15-year growth plan aiming to develop over 1 million square feet of laboratory and educational space. This initiative seeks to enhance accessibility and transform Lime Street into a central hub for science, technology, and innovation, effectively integrating it into the broader Knowledge Quarter.

Georgian Quarter

The Georgian Quarter, characterised by its classical architecture and grid layout designed by John Foster, includes landmarks such as Hope Street and Abercromby Square. Despite its cultural richness, many assets remain under recognised. Efforts are underway to position this district as a centre for creative and performing arts, leveraging the city's strengths in infection, materials, and chemistry to attract innovative businesses. New developments aim to connect the Georgian Quarter more effectively with Liverpool's broader innovation ecosystem.

St. Andrew’s Gardens

Originally a residential area, St. Andrew’s Gardens now primarily serves as student accommodation, featuring the historic bullring tenement block. Over time, architectural changes have altered its character, yet strong ties to Liverpool city centre persist. Plans are in place to reconnect this area with the broader innovation district through improved pedestrian access and the integration of education and health spaces. This includes developing office and laboratory spaces within KQ Liverpool to foster a vibrant mix of students, researchers, and businesses.

Civic Forum

Encompassing St. George’s Hall and William Brown Street, the Civic Forum serves as a prestigious civic space linking KQ Liverpool with the city's commercial core. However, extensive road infrastructure and limited pedestrian access diminish its potential. Transformation projects led by Liverpool City Council and KQ Liverpool aim to integrate science, technology, and education initiatives, thereby elevating the area's profile. Enhancing public spaces and accessibility will support innovative businesses and reinforce Liverpool's status as a global leader in science, health, technology, and culture.

Marybone

Situated at the northern edge of Liverpool city centre, Marybone boasts deep historical roots. Although much of its original architecture was lost to 20th-century redevelopment, it remains pivotal for residential and commercial growth.

The area’s development is guided by Liverpool’s world-class strengths in infection, materials, and chemistry. With the presence of high-performance cognitive computing and innovative industries within KQ Liverpool, Marybone is poised to become integral to Liverpool’s science and technology landscape, enhancing the city’s global reputation for health and innovation.

Ropewalks and Chinatown

The Ropewalks and Chinatown district, adjacent to KQ Liverpool, blends heritage with modern development. Featuring Duke Street’s Georgian warehouses and Nelson Street’s Chinese Arch, the area has seen public realm improvements enhancing pedestrian access.

Despite these advancements, challenges like traffic congestion persist. Investment from innovative industries is aligning the district with growth in science, health, technology, and the creative sectors. As part of the Knowledge Quarter’s expansion, developments in education and health spaces are creating new opportunities for businesses and residents, strengthening the area’s role within Liverpool’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem.

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Liverpool Knowledge Quarter: The Challenge

The Liverpool Knowledge Quarter, including the transformative Paddington Village expansion site, is a cornerstone of Liverpool’s One Public Estate (OPE) programme and a major economic catalyst for the Liverpool City Region.

Despite boasting a £23.1 billion economy, the region continues to underperform compared to national economic benchmarks. The Gross Value Added (GVA) per capita stands at only 75% of the UK average, a gap that has persisted for over a decade. This disparity has resulted in an £8.2 billion economic shortfall.

Additionally, there is a pressing need to construct nearly 30,000 homes between 2013 and 2033. To bridge this gap, it is imperative that all large-scale developments, including those within Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool), contribute to achieving this ambitious housing target.

Liverpool City Region economy

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Investment for New Developments

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Actions Taken and Planned

Actions Taken & Planned

To address these challenges, over £1 billion worth of new developments are either underway or in the planning phase within the Knowledge Quarter. The One Public Estate programme allocated £170,000 in 2015/16 to fund consultancy work and facilitate the strategic master plan for Paddington Central.

The vision for Upper Central—an area within the Knowledge Quarter—includes the potential introduction of an advanced public transport system, such as a light rail network or trackless tram, improving connectivity across the district. The proposed Paddington Lime Line is currently undergoing consultation by the KQ Liverpool team.

Furthermore, the Liverpool City Council has successfully acquired five out of six key development plots within the first phase of site acquisition. The final plot, Elm Grove, is progressing through a compulsory purchase order, ensuring full integration into the broader development strategy.

Outcomes and Potential Impact of Knowledge Quarter Regeneration

The transformation of the Knowledge Quarter is expected to generate substantial economic and social benefits for the Liverpool City Region, including:

Phase one of the Paddington Village regeneration project, set for completion over the next four years, will deliver:

167,000 square metres of cutting-edge science, technology, education, and health space.
£1.6 million in capital receipts, reinforcing economic sustainability.
2,000 new jobs, with 170 already confirmed.
785 high-quality homes, contributing to Liverpool’s housing targets.
8,300 square metres of ground-floor retail and hospitality space, fostering commercial vibrancy.
At least 700 new parking spaces, including a 1,256-space multi-storey car park, which opened in January 2021.
3.4 hectares of public realm improvements, enhancing green space and urban livability.

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Conclusion

The Liverpool Knowledge Quarter (KQ Liverpool) has firmly established itself as a world-leading innovation district, seamlessly integrating science, technology, education, and health within Liverpool city centre.

Key developments, such as the £1bn flagship Paddington Village expansion site, have attracted esteemed institutions like the Royal College of Physicians (RCP North) and the Rutherford Cancer Centre, enhancing the district’s global reputation.

Collaborative efforts among the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, and Liverpool City Council have fostered an environment where innovative businesses thrive. With 1.8 million sq ft of new developments underway, KQ Liverpool continues to drive economic growth and position the city at the forefront of global innovation.

Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter (KQ Liverpool) is a prime investment hub, driving innovation in health and life sciences, materials chemistry, and technology. Key developments like Hemisphere One and projects by Bruntwood Sci Tech position the North West as a competitor to London and the South East. The iconic Spine building and the KQ Liverpool 2025 Vision reinforce the area’s global significance. With rapid growth and strong investor demand, now is the time to capitalise on this thriving district.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Knowledge Quarter Liverpool?

The Liverpool Knowledge Quarter (KQ Liverpool) is a 450-acre world-leading innovation district in Liverpool city centre, encompassing key institutions in science, health, technology, education, and the creative and performing arts. This district is at the forefront of global innovation, bringing together influential players from academia, healthcare, and business.

What are some notable institutions located within KQ Liverpool?

The Knowledge Quarter Liverpool KQ houses prominent institutions such as the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool International College, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, and the Liverpool Science Park. These institutions contribute significantly to the city’s strengths in science, health, technology, and culture.

What is the vision for KQ Liverpool by 2025?

The KQ Liverpool team has developed a vision to address Liverpool city region’s three world-class strengths: infection, materials, and chemistry. This roadmap aligns with the innovation audit SIA highlighted Liverpool city region’s potential in science, technology, education, and health space. The strategy focuses on attracting and retaining talent, fostering business growth, and developing education and health space within the Paddington Village expansion site set for completion.

What is Paddington Village, and what developments are planned there?

Paddington Village is a significant £1bn flagship development site within KQ Liverpool, designed to bridge the university campuses with Liverpool city centre. The Paddington Village expansion site includes major facilities, such as RCP North Rutherford Cancer Centre, reinforcing Liverpool’s role as a world-leading innovation district. Other developments include office or lab space, a multi-storey car park, and new commercial and residential properties.

How does KQ Liverpool contribute to Liverpool's global influence?

The Knowledge Quarter Liverpool strengthens the city’s global reputation by fostering innovative industries operating within its district. International partnerships, particularly with the United States, drive foreign direct investment (FDI), with businesses KQ Liverpool intends to attract playing a crucial role. With over 1.8m sq ft of science, technology, and performing arts spaces, the district ensures Liverpool remains at the forefront of global innovation.

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Inside Liverpool Knowledge Quarter: How a £1bn Plan is Shaping the City’s Future

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What is Knowledge Quarter Liverpool?

Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter: A Vision for 2025

Attracting and retaining top talent

Growing businesses and securing inward investment

Encouraging purposeful collaboration

Enhancing community engagement and inclusivity

Building a greener, smarter city

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The Role of Sciontec and Future Growth

Expanding Liverpool’s Global Influence: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

A Lasting Legacy: Infrastructure and Innovation

Angel Gardens

£20k

10%

£1.5k

Property Price

Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter: The Regeneration Center

Shaw Street and Project Jennifer

City Centre Movement Strategy

Kings Waterfront and Arena Development

Islington Planning Framework

Baltic Triangle and Independent District

Character Areas of the Liverpool Knowledge Quarter

Campus University

Cathedrals

Lime Street

Georgian Quarter

St. Andrew’s Gardens

Civic Forum

Marybone

Ropewalks and Chinatown

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Liverpool Knowledge Quarter: The Challenge

Actions Taken and Planned

Outcomes and Potential Impact of Knowledge Quarter Regeneration

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Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

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