Construction begins at Liverpool's Paddington South development site
Paddington South Development in Liverpool's Knowledge Quarter Advances Towards a Greener and More Innovative Future
The Paddington South development, a significant part of the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, has taken a significant step forward with the completion of the demolition of the former Smithdown Lane Police Station [1][3][4]. This marks the beginning of a new phase in the larger £1 billion Paddington Village masterplan, a collaborative effort between Liverpool City Council and the University of Liverpool, designed to boost the city's research, development, and innovation sector while creating a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood [1][2].
The 9-acre site at Paddington South currently includes the WELL Platinum standard Spine Building, offering Grade A office space, a multi-storey car park, and the Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village Hotel [1]. The next phase of the development will see the delivery of new green space around Grove Street, aiming to improve local biodiversity by 10% in line with Liverpool’s urban green-up program [1].
Sustainability and zero carbon operation goals are at the heart of the Paddington South scheme, aligning with Liverpool City Council’s 2030 net zero ambitions and the University of Liverpool’s 2035 net zero campus target [1]. The development also plans to embed new active travel routes connected to the wider city cycle network, supporting sustainable movement within the Knowledge Quarter [1].
The potential for new employment opportunities in technology, research, and related industries is significant, given the focus on enhancing the research and innovation sector and the provision of Grade A office space [1][2]. Emily Robson, Assistant Chief Executive of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, expressed her support for the development, stating that Paddington Village will build on existing strengths in life sciences, robotics engineering, and materials chemistry [5].
The expansion of Paddington Village is considered vital to Liverpool's future economic growth and the creation of high-skilled jobs. Once delivered, the former brownfield site at Paddington South is expected to serve as the engine room for the delivery of the city's wider Investment Zone plans for the coming decade and beyond [6].
Morgan Sindall Construction has been chosen for the masterplanning and enabling works at the Paddington South phase of the Paddington Village development [7]. Councillor Nick Small, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet member for Growth and Economy, stated that the start of work at Paddington South is a significant step towards making Liverpool one of Europe’s leading R&D centres in science innovation [8].
In summary, Paddington South is moving into an active construction and development phase focused on sustainability, green space improvement, and innovation-driven economic growth, with a strong emphasis on net zero carbon operation and integrated urban green infrastructure [1][2]. The former Smithdown Lane Police Station is expected to be demolished in the first quarter of 2025 [9].
[1] - Liverpool City Council Press Release [2] - Knowledge Quarter Liverpool Press Release [3] - BusinessLive [4] - Liverpool Echo [5] - Knowledge Quarter Liverpool Press Release [6] - Liverpool City Council Press Release [7] - Liverpool City Council Press Release [8] - Liverpool City Council Press Release [9] - Liverpool City Council Press Release
- To secure a greener and more sustainable future, innovative financing strategies will be essential for the regeneration of Paddington South, a key component of Liverpool's Knowledge Quarter.
- A significant part of the real-estate development at Paddington South will involve investing in cutting-edge technologies, fostering the growth of commercial opportunities in technology, research, and related industries.
- As Paddington South advances towards a greener and more innovative future, focusing on sustainability, regeneration, and urban growth, it presents a prime opportunity for those interested in financing and investing in projects that prioritize both financial returns and environmental sustainability.
