Company Created to Develop Knowledge Quarter Vision

The future of investment and development in science and tech workspace and labs across Liverpool is to be handled by the newly created Knowledge Quarter Development Company (KQDC).

The City Council, the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, will be equal partners in the new venture, which will operate alongside the current KQ Liverpool strategic board.

Liverpool Science Park, Sensor City and the Accelerator are expected to be among the buildings that could benefit from new investment generated by KQDC, whose partners have identified the need to attract initial investments of £10m rising to £100m as new science and tech buildings are brought forward.

Announcing the initiative at the annual MIPIM international property expo in Cannes, which was attended by many of Liverpool’s property and business leaders, Liverpool’s Mayor Joe Anderson said: “In a relatively short space of time, the Knowledge Quarter Mayoral Development Zone has been a huge success for the city and we are fast becoming a global force in science, technology and healthcare, with world-leading academic institutions and new state-of-the-art hospitals on the horizon.”

Professor Dame Janet Beer, vice-chancellor of the University of Liverpool and Chair of KQ Liverpool, said that this vision for the continued development of the Knowledge Quarter was “a clear statement of confidence and intent from all of the partners. Together, we intend to deliver an innovation district of international renown and a driving force for increased jobs, economic growth and opportunities for our graduates in the city.”

Professor Nigel Weatherill, vice-chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University and chair of Liverpool Science Park and Sensor City, said: “We are fully supportive of the continuing efforts to develop the Knowledge Quarter. On the evidence of progress to date, there is a unique and exciting opportunity to realise our shared vision for many years to come.”