£4m extension for NW innovation park

A public-private consortium has announced plans to build a £4 million business and network hub at the Liverpool Innovation Park (LIP).

LIP operator Space North West will invest £2.5m in the project, while the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will hand over £1.42m.

Organisers including the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Ashtenne Industrial Fund and development company Liverpool vision say the scheme is part of a drive to build a robust knowledge-based economy in the North West.

The finished building, which will open in early 2011, will feature 1,629 sq m of out-of-town offices, an impressive reception and exhibition area and a tenanted cafe-cum-bistro, overlooking attractive landscaped gardens.

Max Steinberg, Chief Executive of Liverpool Vision, welcomed the investment. “The Knowledge Sector is increasingly important to Liverpool and its renaissance as an international city,” he said. “This project work will help invigorate the Innovation Park, giving it a true sense of place and help attract more cutting edge knowledge based industries.”

Wayne Locke, Ashtenne Regional Director leading the LIP Project, claimed the project was ideally situated to contribute to the city’s economy.

“LIP is already an excellent strategic location for knowledge-intensive businesses and the new networking hub will further enhance its ability to contribute towards growing Liverpool’s knowledge economy,” he said.

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the NWDA, added: “Situated on Edge Lane, the gateway entrance route into the city, LIP has already contributed to the ongoing regeneration of the area. Improvements to the Park’s own gateway and reception will attract further investment.”

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