Next moves in £1 billion Paddington Village scheme

The next steps in the £1 billion flagship regeneration scheme in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter have been outlined in a new report.

Approval will be sought at Liverpool City Council’s cabinet on 15 September to kick start a multi-million pound programme of site works on seven plots to pave the way for the firs phase of construction at Paddington Village - including a new car park, hotel, office space and a district heating system.

The infrastructure works could begin as early as next month. They will pave the way for the arrival of the Royal College of Physician’s (RCP) new £35 million northern base, a new learning centre for the Liverpool International College and the new £35 million Rutherford Cancer Centre North West.

Planning permission has been granted for the college and cancer centre, both of which are scheduled to open in 2019, and an application from the RCP is expected in 2018.

The report also seeks authority to agree terms and conditions to enter into design, build, maintenance and servicing contract to create a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant to provide a sustainable heating and power source to service buildings and businesses on the site, which sits within one of the city’s Mayoral Development Zones.

Liverpool City Council is also proposing to exercise a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire a site to build a multi-storey car park to service Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool).

Morgan Sindall, the build contractor for Paddington Village infrastructure works, has produced an indicative design for the car park which could be submitted for planning in early October.

Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, said: “Paddington Village is the engine for KQ Liverpool and am delighted at the progress that is being made to turn our ambition into a reality to generate thousands of highly skilled new jobs in the city.

“You can sense the momentum that is beginning to build with numerous internationally renowned partners wanting to be a part of it and that is hugely exciting and is another great example of how appealing Liverpool is to investors.

“The next 12 months will see a huge amount of activity and I’ve no doubt KQ Liverpool will be a real game changer for Liverpool’s economy.”

Colin Sinclair, chief executive of KQ Liverpool, said: “Paddington Village is a key component of building a world-class innovation district in KQ Liverpool, creating jobs and improving people’s lives. Our focus on health and wellbeing, science and education sets us apart and is attracting interest from far and wide.

“The new hotel, car park and heat and power plant are vital parts of the scheme, as is our focus on green spaces, cycling, improved public transport and pedestrian access.”