Liverpool led way in reopening big cultural events

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Liverpool researchers have authored a new study detailing definitive population-based evidence of risks of Covid-19 transmission around the early reopening of mass cultural events before restrictions were lifted.

Liverpool City Region hosted the world’s first regional cluster of experimental reopening of mass cultural events after Covid lockdowns as part of the UK Events Research Programme (ERP), including a business festival, two nightclubs (Circus’ First Dance) and a music festival (the Sefton Park Pilot).

All ticketholders were required to take a lateral flow test ahead of the events – a negative test would allow them access. Attendees were encouraged to take a PCR test on the day of the event, and a second one five days later, and gave consent for their routine NHS Covid testing data to be linked.

The analysis, published today (23 June 2023) in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, finds that of 12,256 individuals attending one or more events over 5 days, there were just 15 linked cases detected through research, public health and clinical testing using population-wide linked data.

Half of the cases were likely primary or secondary, reflecting transmission no higher than the background rate at the time, in contrast to a concurrent outbreak of more than 50 linked cases associated with a local swimming pool.

The key strengths of the study are its population-wide design and the realistic way the events were run. The Liverpool City Region was the first region in the world to introduce voluntary open-access asymptomatic testing, and used real-time linked data systems to study patterns of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and coordinate public health responses from November 2020 through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University of Liverpool’s Professor Iain Buchan, Principal Investigator for the Events Research Programme in Liverpool, said:

“Around the May Bank Holiday of 2021, the Liverpool City Region ran the world’s first experimental reopening of a realistic set of mass cultural events after COVID-lockdowns. We studied the feasibility and effects of risk-mitigations including supervised self-testing, contact-tracing and joint communications between event organisers and public health teams. The events were designed to be realistic, so mask-wearing was not compulsory. Out of 12,256 eventgoers there were 15 event-linked cases detected through research and routine NHS testing – no greater than background rates, which were low then – just before the Delta variant surged. The same surveillance system detected over 50 cases linked to a swimming pool in the area at the time, which did not have pre-attendance testing.”

He added:

“This public health initiative was a response to the social development and mental health needs of young people, who were last to be vaccinated, and among whom mental health referrals were rising. It was also a response to rising unemployment in the events and hospitality sector, and the importance of this sector for social wellbeing. Future pandemic recovery might take greater advantage of digital links between ticketing, events management, and public health systems, including testing and risk communications.”

The live links between different data sources, including events ticketing and public health testing were built by the Liverpool City Region Civic Data Cooperative (CDC), which is funded by Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and hosted by the University of Liverpool. The CDC is the UK’s first Civic Data Cooperative and was launched just before the COVID-19 pandemic to mobilise health-related data across the city region to improve the health and wellbeing of its residents.

Director of Culture Liverpool Claire McColgan CBE, said: 

“The Events Research Programme remains one of the most challenging projects I have ever been involved with and one that I’m incredibly proud of. At a time when restrictions were in place, we couldn’t mix indoors with family and friends, and mask wearing was the norm – Liverpool stepped up to be the focal point of a pilot project which would help shape national policy and breathe life back into the culture and leisure sector.

“This industry represents more than half of our local economy and it was in our interests to do everything we could to start to bring a sense of normality back. The eyes of the world were on us as we blazed the trail, and worked around the clock with the University, Government and event organisers to make each activity a safety success, and help unlock live events for the rest of the country.  And in terms of legacy, our learning from those projects has been invaluable, shaping how we now deliver major events, such as the highly-acclaimed Eurovision host city programme, and as a result are regarded as an exemplar of best practice in this field.”

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said:

“Being the first region in the country to reopen its hospitality and events sector in the midst of a global pandemic was no mean feat, yet we knew it was essential one – not only for our economic recovery, but for our collective wellbeing.

“While the rest of the world watched on, we worked with our world-leading scientists, researchers and our ethical Civic Data Cooperative, to safely reopen our visitor economy to the public. Few areas can claim to have made a bigger impact on global health than the Liverpool City Region – and it’s a legacy that we’re proud to be continuing today.”

Click here to read the full paper.

(Image credit: Blossoms Perform / Liverpool City Council)

Our work experience week at KQ Liverpool

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Last week, Year 12 students Anthony, Harvey and Kostas undertook a week’s work experience with the KQ Liverpool team, and they have shared some insight into their time with us in the below blog:

Tell us a bit about yourself

  • Anthony: I have just come to the end of my first year of Sixth Form and I am studying Information Technology, Business Studies and Digital Media.
  • Harvey: I’m currently in Year 12 studying Business, IT and Drama.
  • Kostas: I have just come to the end of my first year in Sixth Form, and have been studying A Level Maths, Physics, Business and Religious Studies.

What have you been up to this week?

  • Anthony: This week we have been working as a Project Manager with Knowledge Quarter Liverpool. We have done various activities ranging from attending the ‘summer social’ event, to helping analyse potential improvements on a shuttle bus project encouraging travel to Paddington Village from Lime Street Train Station. 
  • Harvey: We visited the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and were given a tour around their Snakebite Research Centre, which has 400 of the most poisonous snakes, and were given an insight of how they act and also what types of poison are in the snakes. It was amazing to see some of the snakes up close and look at the little details of their scales and patterns on their bodies. We also made a TikTok about them.
  • Kostas:  We were out of the office practically everyday, doing something different and interesting each time showing that not all places of work need to be repetitive and tiring.

What has been a highlight for you?

  • Kostas: In terms of a particular thing that we did, the visit to Elida Beauty was really informative. As well as having a tour around the building and seeing how many of the products are made and tested, we had a talk with Alana Cox (Senior Scale Up Engineer) who gave us some amazing advice on how to stand out when it comes to CV writing and interviews. She also encouraged the use of LinkedIn which made us go and complete our profiles and make some connections.
  • Anthony: The realistic feeling of actually working in this job role has been a great experience for me as I have never really worked a role like this, and it has made me think deeper into wanting to potentially do this job or any other similar jobs like this in the future. 
  • Harvey: My highlight of the week has been making different connections and finding new jobs that I didn’t even know existed, as this gave me a wider range of options. I was also given information on how to improve my interview skills and also CVs. This was my highlight as it expanded my knowledge within different industries while also allowing me to expand my horizons and give better answers when it comes to interviews, while being able to write better and improved CVs.  

What have you learnt about Knowledge Quarter Liverpool?

  • Kostas: There is so much I did not know about the KQ before, like the fact it is an innovation district and a driver for innovation all over Liverpool. Some of the businesses they work with have some of the most exciting new projects and research.
  • Anthony: The Liverpool Knowledge Quarter is a hub of innovation and education located in the heart of Liverpool. The area is a vibrant and exciting place to be, with a range of cultural and social events taking place throughout the year. Whether you’re a student, a researcher, or an entrepreneur, there’s something for everyone in the Liverpool Knowledge Quarter.
  • Harvey: I have learnt that there’s a lot more to it that meets the eye. For example, there are multiple companies involved with KQ Liverpool and there’s a lot more opportunities than I once thought.

What advice would you give for other students going on work experience?

  • Anthony: Ask as many questions as possible to help you understand the pathway of a job role which will help you in the future, because if you end up wanting to do a similar job to your work experience, you will be prepared with what you need to do to meet the requirements of this job role. Also, try to make a good impression with employers in case they see you have skills and think you can undertake this job, as you may even get an offer to work and additional amount of time with the company.
  • Kostas: My advice for other students going on work experience is to make the most of all the opportunities given to you, like when you go out and meet people in the world of business make sure to be friendly and socialise with them, connect with them on LinkedIn to get access to even more opportunities in the future. I would also say to take the experience and reflect on it, think about what you liked and keep a mental note that this is something you would like to do in the future and if you did not like something keep that in mind too, it will all help narrow down a career that you enjoy later in life.
  • Harvey: I would also advise making connections with people during the work experience as this can also help you going forward with future jobs, as they may know a lot about an industry you are looking to go in and be able to lead you in the right direction. Also just have fun, as you won’t take away from the experience as much as you would if you weren’t enjoying it.

£6.9M funding to better understand child mental health

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Further funding to enhance the flagship birth cohort study Children Growing Up in Liverpool (C-GULL), which opened this spring, has been announced today (4 July 2023).

The new ‘Microbes, Milk, Mental Health and Me’ (4M) strand, supported by £6.9M funding from the Wellcome Trust, seeks to better understand the early-life origins of mental health conditions.

Poor mental health is a growing public health challenge, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and yet there is still much to be learned about their early-life origins. Compelling evidence suggests that gut microbial colonization, strongly influenced by breastmilk, impacts neurodevelopment and mental well-being, but more research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.

This funding will enable the collection of additional bio-samples for the diverse birth cohort, including state-of-the-art gut microbiota and breastmilk profiling. Researchers will utilize large-scale genomic and epidemiological data to perform experiments, discover new biological insights, and carry out epidemiology and translational science. They will also establish an internationally unique archive of paired bio-samples from mothers and babies and identify keystone bacteria and milk constituents that influence neurodevelopment and mental health.

The findings from this study will inform new methods for preventing and treating adverse mental health conditions in children. The Children Growing Up in Liverpool (C-GULL) program is the first large-scale birth cohort study in the Liverpool City Region and will follow 10,000 first-born Liverpool babies and their families from early in pregnancy through childhood and beyond.

C-GULL is a partnership between The University of Liverpool, The Wellcome Trust, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Liverpool City Council, The Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and NIHR Clinical Research Network North West Coast. The study will also introduce further collaborations with University College London, The Wellcome Sanger Institute, and the University of Manitoba.

“The Children Growing Up in Liverpool (C-GULL) study represents a unique opportunity to explore the complex interplay between early-life exposures, gut microbiota and mental health,” said Professor Anthony Hollander from The University of Liverpool.

“We are thrilled to receive this additional funding from The Wellcome Trust which will allow us to further advance our understanding of how we can improve the mental health of children.”

Dr Catherine Sebastian, Head of Evidence for Mental Health at The Wellcome Trust, said:

“Poor mental health is increasing in children and young people, and we need to understand more about how these problems develop to better tackle this public health challenge. The 4M strand of C-GULL will generate important new insights into the relationship between gut microbes, breast milk, and mental health during child development, and will provide a foundation for future research in this field.”

The official opening of the C-GULL research centre will take place later this month in the academic unit at The Liverpool Women’s Hospital.

Participants and prospective participants can find more information on the study at the patient-facing website: https://www.cgullstudy.com/

LCR signs landmark innovation deal with Busan

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A landmark innovation deal was signed today that paves the way for greater co-operation between two of the world’s most famous port cities.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Park Heong-Joon, Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City in South Korea, aimed at enhancing ‘mutual understanding, prosperity and friendship’.

The five-year deal will see the two areas commit to active co-operation initially linked to innovation in digital, smart cities, clean energy and net zero, and health.

Busan is South Korea’s second city and the world’s fifth busiest port, serving as Korea’s biggest trading hub.

Under the MOU, the city regions will foster a strategic innovation partnership and promote science, education, trade and investment exchanges.

The Liverpool City Region is one of only four places selected to take part in the government’s UK-Republic of Korea Innovation Twins Programme, delivered by Connected Places Catapult. The programme looks to leverage Liverpool’s world-class innovation ecosystem to drive international collaboration.

>>> WATCH VIDEO <<<

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“As a region based around one of the world’s most famous port cities, our area has always been as an open and outward looking place.

“While our reputation for culture, music and sport may precede us on the global stage, we know that our unique strengths and assets in science, innovation and research are what continues to attract partners from around the world to want to work with us.

“I believe we have all the capabilities, assets – and the political will – to take our area to the forefront of UK science and innovation and take advantage of the many thousands of jobs and training opportunities it will bring to our area.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to strengthen our region’s ties with South Korea as we enter a new chapter in our partnership. Working together, I want to take advantage of our shared strengths and unique assets to build a stronger future for our areas and our people.”

Park Heong-Joon, Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City in South Korea said:

“The city of Liverpool is amazing. I’ve been impressed that historical and contemporary features harmoniously coexist.

“Today’s MoU and the Innovative Twins project will become a catalyst to further bolster bilateral ties between the two port cities across various avenues from green technology, smart city, R&D, port regeneration, to culture.

“The two cities share much in common – not to mention, the two cities are home to great musicians, Beatles and BTS. I believe the cities have got huge potential to facilitate co-operation in the years to come and this will mutually benefit our people in the regions.

“And definitely more Koreans and Brits will visit each city more.”

Busan’s high-level visit includes representatives from Busan Techno Park and Busan Metropolitan Corporation and features tours of some of the city region’s world-class innovation facilities at Sci-Tech Daresbury, Glass Futures and Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, including the University of Liverpool’s Materials Innovation Factory and the Digital Innovation Facility.

The Liverpool City Region has been fostering stronger ties with Busan for more than a year, with active support from the UK Embassy in Seoul and the UK’s Connected Places Catapult, part of Innovate UK.

Senior officials from K-Water, the Korean state water corporation that operates the world’s largest tidal power scheme at Sihwa Lake, were in the Liverpool City Region last December to sign a deal to co-operate over development of the Mersey Tidal Power project – which has the potential to generate enough predicable, renewable energy to power up to 1 million homes for 120 years. The move followed initial contact at COP26 in Glasgow and a subsequent visit by a Combined Authority delegation to South Korea.

The region’s Innovation Prospectus, highlighting its world-class innovation and investment opportunities worth more than £12bn, was then translated into Korean – a move welcomed by the UK’s Ambassador to Korea, Colin Crooks, who hailed the city region as a ‘standout example’ of how UK regional authorities can develop international trade links.

Liverpool’s universities have also strengthened links with Busan and the Vice Chancellors of the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University and the Director of Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine have all met the South Korean delegation, as have the Science & Technology Facilities Council team located at Sci-Tech Daresbury, the primary northern hub for UK Research and Innovation.

UK Ambassador to South Korea, Colin Crooks, said:

“With 2023 marking 140 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and the Republic of Korea, I am particularly pleased to see two of our most vibrant regions establishing closer links.

“The Liverpool City Region and the city of Busan are natural partners in so many ways. We look forward to continuing our support of this partnership and the civic, business and research cooperation opportunities that will be created.”

Connected Places Catapult’s Chief Executive, Nicola Yates OBE said:

“This Memorandum of Understanding between Liverpool City Region and Busan marks the start of a longer-term collaboration, to develop outcome based, sustainable relationships that deliver tangible projects of innovation collaboration, creating jobs and growth in both regions.

“The scale of the opportunity is large, with the potential to unlock new business and research opportunities for innovative companies, and cross-city learning. Connected Places Catapult is delighted to have helped make this happen.”

Have your say about the future of the Fabric District

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Two public consultation events are being held in the Fabric District this month, to help shape plans for future development of this emerging and exciting area of Liverpool city centre.

Whether you live, work or visit Liverpool’s Fabric District, this is your opportunity to share what you think works well and what needs to be improved in the area.

The Fabric District CIC is holding two informal drop-in events to speak to residents and locals about the future of the area.

The public consultation sessions will take place on:

  • Wednesday 14th June, 3pm – 6pm at The Brain Charity, Norton Street, Liverpool
  • Thursday 15th June, 4pm – 7pm at Rusty’s Bar in the Tapestry building on Gildart Street, Liverpool

Please come along and share your thoughts – this is your chance to help shape the CIC’s vision for an exciting area we know has a brilliant future.

As well as an exhibition of plans and images to explain the past, present and potential future of the Fabric District, there will be free refreshments.

Feedback from the workshops will be used by the CIC to draft a Community Development Plan.

Michael Birkett, chair of the Fabric District CIC, said:

“The Fabric District is a key part of Liverpool city centre and the Knowledge Quarter and has a brilliant future ahead of it.

“There are key things that we know need to change and we are very keen to understand the views of local people, businesses, residents and visitors to ensure that we understand what people think works well and what people think should be improved.

“It would be great if you could come along and share your thoughts and views.”

The CIC’s board has been working closely with Liverpool City Council and the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) team to make sure the Fabric District is included in long term regeneration and public realm strategies for the city. Exciting recent developments we have welcomed include:

  • The opening of the new Radisson Red hotel on Lime Street
  • The retail and residential development for the Home Group on Monument Place
  • The resumption of construction work on the two student housing blocks on Norton Street
  • The completion of the ‘Innovo’ housing project on Devon Street
  • The recent planning consent for the conversion of TJ Hughes, keeping the original facades and towers
  • Continued investment and development at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and nearby Royal Liverpool Hospital
  • Ongoing investment in new facilities at all three of Liverpool’s universities, all being immediate neighbours of the Fabric District

Head to the Fabric District website to find out more: https://fabricdistrict.co.uk/

New Mental Health Research Centre is established in KQ Liverpool

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Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Liverpool have teamed up to create the first ever Mental Health Research for Innovation Centre (M-RIC), where service users co-design the innovations they need and want, alongside health professionals, researchers, industry partners, and public advisers.

The Centre will be awarded £10.5 million of government funding from the Office for Life Sciences and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. It is part of the national ‘Mental Health Mission’ which aims to accelerate mental health research through a UK network of leading investigators called the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Mental Health Translational Research Collaboration which includes M-RIC in Liverpool.

M-RIC will create a world first ‘learning system’ where treatments improve the more they are used, studied and refined. The focus will be on under-researched areas such as early intervention in psychosis, depression, and children and young people’s mental health. Research will underpin Liverpool City Region’s commitment to service users, providing easy access to clinical trials and increasing their involvement in better care, closer to home.

Professor Joe Rafferty CBE, Mersey Care’s Chief Executive, said:

“Investment in mental health research has huge potential to boost economic growth, reduce health inequalities, and address the associated £13bn per annum the UK economy loses in productivity to poor mental health.

“To improve mental health, the Centre will advance understanding of how mental, physical, and social conditions are interlinked, and trial new interventions with industry in real life settings.”

Professor Iain Buchan, the University of Liverpool’s Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Innovation, explained:

“Mental health is vital to us as individuals, families, and communities, yet despite advances in public health and healthcare, mental health has been declining, particularly in disadvantaged areas like Liverpool.

“Our Centre will have particular depth in mental health data science and engineering, driving innovations for a connected world – continuously improving as the research underpinning them is embedded in mental health services.”

The data-sharing required for the project will be facilitated by Liverpool City Region’s Civic Data Co-operative (CDC) which uses data to deliver better care for residents.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of the health inequalities that exist in our society today – few more so than the extreme disparities in mental health support and funding. Coupled with the spiralling cost of living, it’s little surprise our country is now in the midst of a mental health crisis – which is costing the UK economy nearly £118bn every year.

“It’s one of the many reasons we invested in an ethical Civic Data Cooperative, to allow local experts to analyse our residents’ health and wellbeing needs and to help us improve care and service delivery locally.

“Our area has been a global leader in health research and innovation for centuries, and it’s fantastic to see this legacy continue today with the Mental Health Research for Innovation Centre. I’m really looking forward to seeing how it helps us identify and explore new, improved ways to treat the mental health and wellbeing of our 1.6 million residents.”

Professor Nusrat Husain, Mersey Care’s Director of Research and Innovation, and Global Centre for Research on Mental Health Inequalities, added:

“The investment for innovation in mental health provides important opportunities to build upon our existing work to address mental health inequalities.

“For example digital technologies are helping to improve access to mental health services and becoming an important part of our clinical practice. These innovations in the way we deliver mental healthcare will not only have an impact on Liverpool City Region, but also nationally and globally.”

New Microbials Accelerator Programme now taking applications

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A new Innovate UK-funded Microbials (Microbiome, Biofilms & Phage) Accelerator is now accepting applications from SMEs for a programme of support to help scale their businesses and secure funding for the commercialisation of innovative microbial technologies.

Funded as part of the Biomedical Catalyst, the programme consists of a unique package of business support and access to clinical, scientific, technical and commercial advice at no cost to the company. Applications for the microbial accelerator programme close at midday on June 6th.

The accelerator is co-led by LYVA Labs and Bionow, with support from a dynamic consortium of partners including iiCON, University of Liverpool (UoL), CPI, and the Innovation Agency (IA).

The scope for the accelerator includes technologies, products, processes, and services that have the potential to impact microbial communities or biofilms related to health, including new technologies to protect beneficial microbiomes or to control harmful microbial communities or biofilms.

Please note that developing new antibiotics to combat AMR and microbial diagnostics is out of scope.

The Microbials Accelerator partnership offers a programme of developmental courses and mentorship opportunities. The programme is designed to give businesses the knowledge and support they need to move products and services from the development stage to market readiness. To be successful in their application, businesses must:

  • Be a UK-based SME (small or medium-sized business), or an academic in the early stages of forming an SME.
  • Have an innovative idea to develop a novel product/technology/process/ or service, which is in scope and can be evidenced to impact a sizeable healthcare challenge positively.
  • Be developing a technology/product/process/service with a clear and obvious route to market that will lead to a commercial opportunity.

The accelerator programme, funded by Innovate UK as part of the Biomedical Catalyst, comes in two phases. An initial 20 organisations will take part in an online ‘pre-accelerator’ course that will cover topics including market research, commercial analysis, market exploitation, finance and clinical trials. For phase two, 8-10 of these organisations will be selected for the full accelerator programme and will receive bespoke support. Industry mentors will be matched to the cohort and guide them through their accelerator journey.

The phase two cohort will also be supported to draft a ‘mock’ Biomedical Catalyst grant application, which will prepare them to apply to the closed Biomedical Catalyst Feasibility call, later in the year. SMEs will end the programme with a final pitch session to a panel of early-stage investors.

Companies not selected for phase two will get an action-planning session with Bionow, which may include referrals to experts in their network who can support them with their onward progression.

Commenting on the programme, Lorna Green, CEO of LYVA Labs, said:

“The Liverpool City Region has a key strength in microbial research and development. This new microbial accelerator will help us capitalise on the unique academic research, facilities, industry partners, and growing ecosystem in our region, enabling us to incubate and support upcoming talent and real-world solutions.”

Geoff Davison, CEO of Bionow, added:

“Research into the relationship between microbes, their hosts, and the environment, could hold the key to vital solutions to some of society’s biggest health challenges.

This programme will help SMEs and startups to get their innovations to market with the potential to transform treatments and health outcomes across a wide range of health sectors.”

Janet Hemingway, Founding Director of the Infection Innovation Consortium (iiCON), an LSTM-based collaboration which works with industry to bring new therapeutics to market, said:

“Exploring new technologies and creative collaborations that will deliver next-generation treatments is at the heart of iiCON’s mission. We’re therefore delighted to be collaborating with LYVA Labs on this targeted support programme, which will give SMEs and those with new ideas access to a variety of really impactful benefits, such as the ability to upscale and unlock product development obstacles.”

Professor Steve Paterson, University of Liverpool Director of Microbiome Innovation Centre, and Professor Rasmita Raval Director of the Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces and Co-Director, National Biofilm Innovation Centre, said:

“University of Liverpool has world-leading expertise and unique facilities in the analysis of microbiomes and biofilms, which we study from the nanoscale to microbial communities. New technologies have revolutionised the microbial field and so we are excited by the opportunity to use these insights to support emerging businesses in Liverpool and nationally.”

Applications for the microbial accelerator programme close at midday on 6th June. You can apply on the Bionow Website and completed applications should be sent to microbialsaccelerator@bionow.co.uk.

New Paddington diagnostic centre to offer earlier access to vital health tests for people in Liverpool

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People in Liverpool are set to benefit from earlier access to vital tests for a wide range of health conditions after NHS leaders agreed a deal for a new community diagnostic centre (CDC) in Paddington Village.

In a landmark agreement, the NHS has acquired the formerly privately-run Rutherford Cancer Centre North West from Equitix, which owned it. The state-of-the-art facility will now be transformed into a new NHS diagnostics centre for people from across Liverpool. The deal is fantastic news for the city, converting the former Rutherford Health building into a first-class NHS facility.

The new community diagnostic centre will be owned and operated by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of the NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside. It is expected to open by the summer.

Community diagnostic centres provide the NHS with additional capacity to carry out vital tests and scans in locations away from the pressures of a busy acute hospital providing emergency care.

The new Paddington Village CDC will offer tests to people referred by their GP or other health professionals to check for a wide range of conditions including musculoskeletal problems, cancer, cardiac issues and gastrointestinal disease.

It will help them get a confirmed diagnosis so they can get the treatment they need or the all-clear, putting their minds at rest. This is particularly important where someone has symptoms that could be cancer.

Initially, the CDC will offer CT, MR and ultrasound scans as well as blood tests (phlebotomy). Future phases will see it expand to provide more tests, further boosting NHS diagnostic capacity in response to local demand.

Cheshire and Merseyside has been at the vanguard of rolling out community diagnostic centres (CDCs) as part of a national NHS England programme supported by government funding. It launched the first CDC nationally in St Helens and there are now six CDCs in our region (Ellesmere Port, Liverpool, Northwich, Southport, St Helens and Wirral), with a further three – including this one – due to open in the next six months. 

Dr Liz Bishop, Chief Executive of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust and Senior Responsible Officer for Diagnostics in Cheshire and Merseyside, said: 

“People in Liverpool are more likely to experience ill health than the national average so it’s particularly important that they can get the tests they need when symptoms develop.

“This approval for a new community diagnostic centre in Paddington Village is fantastic news for the city and will significantly enhance CT, MRI and ultrasound capacity for the NHS in Liverpool, helping people get diagnosed and access any treatment they need as soon as possible.”

NHS England’s medical director for transformation and secondary care, Dr Vin Diwakar, said:

“I’m delighted this new community diagnostic centre will be opening in Liverpool, adding to the six existing centres across Cheshire and Merseyside and making it more convenient than ever for local patients to get their tests and checks in convenient, dedicated diagnostic locations.

“These centres are vital to ensure patients receive quicker diagnoses and quicker treatment, with a record number of tests and checks delivered in January helping to improve outcomes for a range of health conditions including cancer and helping us deliver on the next stage of our elective recovery plan to reduce the longest waits for care.”

Siôn Jones, Chief Operating Officer, Equitix, said:

“We are delighted to be able to help support the provision of this state-of-the-art centre at Paddington Village, which will provide the people of Liverpool with additional capacity to carry out vital tests and treatments in a comfortable environment.”

The new Paddington Village CDC will be the second such venture for The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre has opened. In 2021, it opened one of the nation’s first community diagnostics centres – Clatterbridge Diagnostics in Wirral – in partnership with Wirral University Teaching Hospital. Paddington Village CDC will be a spoke of the Clatterbridge Diagnostics CDC in Wirral.

Collaboration and cross-sector conversations are key to inclusive innovation and inward investment.

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A recent RCP & KQ Liverpool Roundtable brought together local leaders from the public, private and education sectors to discuss the current strengths and future opportunities for enhancing Liverpool’s innovation district.

On Tuesday 28th February, key Liverpool City Region stakeholders gathered to discuss the importance of health and wellbeing at the heart of the regeneration of Liverpool, in addition to affirming their collective drive to inclusive growth, removing the barriers to work and increasing productivity across the City Region.

The strategic importance of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) as an Innovation District was also at the forefront of discussions, bringing the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) together with the local NHS Trusts, Universities, City and Private Sector, to create something even greater than the sum of its parts.

The event began with a warm welcome from Dr Ian Bullock, CEO of the Royal College of Physicians, explaining how this roundtable provided an ideal opportunity to build on the momentum first started back in 2028/19, when the RCP announced plans to set up their northern home in The Spine in KQ Liverpool. He explained,

“With the vibrancy of Liverpool’s culture playing an important part in bringing inward investment into the region, it also encourages innovation in the city, addressing societal issues with job opportunities, equality and access to health.”

Ian hoped that today’s event would spark new conversations which led to, perhaps unlikely, partnerships. With something new happening in our city all the time, he strongly believes in the ‘better together’ principle.

Dr Carol Costello, Chair of KQ Liverpool, agreed that the importance of all KQ Liverpool partners working together to knock down barriers, cannot be underestimated.

“We have a great opportunity to combine our wishes and brains to make us hugely attractive to lots of private sector organisations, to come in and work with our talented community.”

She also strongly urged attendees to not think in individual silos, but to ask our wider network for support in working together to make a difference. 

The work undertaken to date by the KQ Liverpool partners was praised by Mayor Joanne Anderson at Liverpool City Council, explaining that the resulting positive impact on economic productivity in our region shouldn’t be underestimated. She also emphasised that we all play a vital role which can impact direct investment into health and life sciences greater in the north, than London. 

The KQ Liverpool innovation district has grown significantly since its inception in 2016, and there are a number of future projects in the pipeline that will help it to develop further. 

Professor Mark Power, Vice Chancellor at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), said,

“Our new 7 acre Faculty of Health at Copperas Hill will be a driver and powerhouse, which places Liverpool on the map for NHS workforce development. Recognising that KQ Liverpool is a partnership of the city, not just in the city, will bring in high quality jobs and graduate talent, and provide our local community with a choice of staying or leaving upon graduation, and not automatically having to leave for better opportunities elsewhere. We must open our doors to the population on our doorstep to achieve a forward thinking and inclusive agenda.”

These sentiments were echoed by Professor Tim Jones, Vice Chancellor at the University of Liverpool, who agreed with this university perspective.

“We need to get out and showcase what we’re really good at, to make sure Westminster and leading businesses know about our specialisms, so they too can be great advocates for Liverpool.” 

By joining up our key messages and animating partnerships, we can both encourage inward investment and upskill the local community. Programmes such as KQ Liverpool’s Sixth Form Into Science are a fantastic example of this. The programme works with local secondary school pupils, demonstrating what innovation assets are located right on their doorstep, and encourages young people to learn about the innovation, science and technology career opportunities available within KQ Liverpool, with an aim of creating tangible aspirations.

Councillor Liam Robinson, added:

“KQ Liverpool is an expert cluster where innovation in health and life sciences is very important, let’s not hide our light under a bushel. That said, how can we build on this?”

He went on to acknowledge the growth of The Spine and its huge importance for the city, in addition to the exciting rapid transit network plans which will provide enhanced transport links for the region.

“As a world leading innovation hub, we have a huge opportunity to be better understood across the country, ensure a high level of graduate retention and make sure that neighbouring communities get to benefit from the growth of the Paddington Village site.” 

Paddington Village is a new, innovation-led destination for businesses to thrive in the KQ Liverpool Innovation District. Owned by Liverpool City Council and with funding support from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Paddington is an urban village that has Science, Health, Education and Technology, within its DNA. Plans for the next development, Sciontec’s HEMISPHERE – the first operational net zero carbon new build in the Liverpool City Region – is next in line.

Providing a commercial perspective to this conversation was Dr Kath Mackay, Director of Life Sciences at Bruntwood SciTech.

“I have a holistic view of how the UK is doing across health and life sciences, and Liverpool is certainly credible for infectious diseases and health data. One challenge is that all innovation clusters claim to be good, so it can be hard to promote exact specialisms. The Liverpool City Region however has a true identity, and with public and private partnerships really starting to work, they will be a magnet for small businesses to grow.”

The recent Science and Innovation Audit (SIA) mapped LCR’s research and innovation strengths as Infection Prevention & Control, Materials Chemistry, and AI Solutions & Emerging Technologies, resulting in a real global competitive advantage. Net Zero & Maritime was also evidenced as an emerging capability. 

Professor Iain Buchan, University of Liverpool, then discussed the importance of advocacy, ambition, culture and the drive to innovate.

“Liverpool has always had an attitude of begging for forgiveness rather than asking for permission. Health tech is booming, but a lot of innovation goes into end of life care in the US, rather than helping those locally in direct need. A civic approach is needed to better coordinate care, and I admire how the RCP has spoken up for those underserved.” 

There is no doubt that AI is changing medicine and healthcare, and with evidenced, world leading capabilities in this field, Liverpool is already ahead of the curve in creating valuable solutions to these challenges.

Dr Ian Bullock, confirmed that the RCP has been developing a digital strategy over the last three years and is already closely connected with Prof Iain Buchan.

“The power of data and the use of technology can help move us forward and be part of the solution. The management of chronic diseases is something we are already proactively part of, having brought 200 organisations together to focus on health inequalities. With regards to helping the city region to improve access to health, this can be done by joining the primary, secondary and tertiary care, using AI as an enabler.” 

One of the most recent additions to the KQ Liverpool business community is Elida Beauty, a new Personal Care Business Unit within Unilever, who moved into Liverpool Science Park to set up their Global Product Development Hub. Tom Gibbons, Elida Beauty expressed his enjoyment of the authenticity in what people are doing here, as well as the level of ambition observed within KQ Liverpool. On AI and the implementation of technology, he said:

“The foundation required for success in this field is a critical mass of skills. There’s a lot we can do to contribute to and educate businesses and funders, and having the skills required will enable the technology to land firmly and be sustained.”

He finished by emphasising that Elida Beauty were looking for partnerships to leverage R&D capabilities and would be keen to explore any collaboration opportunities within KQ Liverpool.

KQ Liverpool’s ethos is to encourage collaboration and partnership working between the organisations located within the dynamic 450 acre innovation district. In addition to this being clearly witnessed within the health and life sciences sector, Liverpool also has an aim to be known as the destination for digital manufacturing.

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, is a leading organisation in this sector and its Digital Manufacturing Accelerator is located within Liverpool Science Park. Dr Charlie Whitford, Director of North West and Regions at the MTC, said:

“We are moving into a world where there is more and more cross fertilisation of sectors, so collaboration is fundamental. We are working with the FMCG sector and also do a lot of work with central government departments across the UK, and we’re seeing that government procurement is now based on value driven outcomes, such as shared inputs and shared outputs. Collectively, we can come together as leaders to demonstrate this value to drive investment into Liverpool.”

Alex Cousins, Director of Local and Devolved Government, at Connected Places Catapult, agreed, saying:

“I wanted to level up as soon as I came into this role. I am keen to form partnerships in all regions and have an ambition to take space in Liverpool, to enable us to run more projects here.”

 

Another strong advocate for the Liverpool City Region, already based in the Sciontec AI space at The Spine, is Lorna Green, CEO of LYVA Labs.

“We were a start up in January 2022, and have now expanded to 8+ team members, and were recently awarded the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Cluster Manager role for Liverpool City Region, as part of Innovate UK’s ground-breaking Launchpad programme. We’ve had so much support from the KQ Liverpool team, which we are extremely thankful for.” 

Colin Sinclair explained:

“The RCP has allowed Sciontec to use The Spine as an incubator for so many businesses within our Sciontec AI (all-inclusive) serviced workspace floors. We now have a fantastic mix of customers based here who are working within the health and life sciences, digital technology and professional services sectors, which are all adding to the growing innovation ecosystem with Paddington Village.”

Dr Ian Bullock concluded:

“Our original plans for The Spine included wanting to create a space for innovation, bringing important people together for multidisciplinary conversations. The Spine is a beacon of hope for the city, developed out of a baron piece of land and designed to create a true sense of wellbeing for its occupiers and the surrounding community. Today is all about celebrating where we have got to in our journey, but let’s keep the conversations going.”

Many thanks to all who attended.

HEMISPHERE to become one of first new builds in the UK designed to achieve six global sustainability accreditations

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Sciontec’s £56m landmark building on Paddington Village in the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool Innovation District will be operational Net-Zero, Platinum WELL, BREEAM Excellent, EPC Rated A, WiredScore Certified and targets a NABERS 5.5* rating.

As part of the pre-let campaign launch, new CGI images and an animation have been released today at MIPIM, showcasing HEMISPHERE by Sciontec, the new £56m, innovation-led, 119,612 sq ft development on Paddington Village, in the heart of the fast growing Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) Innovation District. 

As we all increasingly come back together to work, demand is growing for environmentally friendly workspaces like HEMISPHERE. Smart-tech enabled, with global best practice as standard, HEMISPHERE will provide prime Grade A office space, and will be one of the UK’s first new builds with operational Net-Zero, Platinum WELL, BREEAM Excellent, EPC Rated A, WiredScore certified and NABERS 5.5*.

The building is designed for people who care about making places and the environment better and those that are driven by innovation and inclusivity.

During this week’s MIPIM – the world’s leading real estate market event –  Sciontec also announced that it will provide free sustainability guidance to all of its customers, to help them meet their own targets for operational energy use, as part of a green leasing strategy. This will form part of Liverpool City Council’s 10 post-pandemic pledges to stimulate economic growth, forecasting 800 new jobs and supporting 100 apprenticeships during construction alone.

Colin Sinclair, chief executive of Sciontec and KQ Liverpool, said: 

“We’re proud to be working with Liverpool City Council, with the support of the City Region, to deliver a holistic approach to creating Paddington Village as an inclusive destination for health, life sciences, tech and digital innovation. Nothing encapsulates that vision more than Paddington’s next new building,  the 120,000 sq ft HEMISPHERE.

“HEMISPHERE promises to change the future of work. Operational net zero carbon; designed for people who truly care about the environment, for businesses and agencies who are driven by innovation, inclusivity and wellbeing.

“We are excited to be out at MIPIM as part of the Liverpool City Region delegation showcasing the stunning new visuals for HEMISPHERE, a unique and well connected business location at the heart of Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter.”

Situated next door to The Spine – one of the world’s healthiest buildings – HEMISPHERE will be the first new-build development for Sciontec, the owners of Liverpool Science Park, which is already in conversation with a number of potential prelets.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, added: 

“Developments like this are befitting of a modern, forward-looking city region like ours. Sciontec’s plans for HEMISPHERE encapsulate much of my vision for the region: harnessing the expertise of our world-class universities in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter, attracting nationwide jobs and housing it all in one of the cleanest, greenest buildings in our region – the first to be operationally net zero.

 “With world leading industry clusters in infectious disease control, materials chemistry, and AI, all on our doorstep, we have a thriving innovation economy. But to keep it growing, it’s vital that we are able to offer businesses the high-tech, sustainable office space they need to flourish and catapult our area to the forefront of UK innovation. HEMISPHERE will help take us there – and I can’t wait to see it start to take shape!”

HEMISPHERE’s striking architecture has been carefully masterminded by AHR Architects to have its own personality, look and feel, with the name representing the two sides of the human brain, where the right side is creative and imaginative, and left is academic and logical.  

Rob Hopkins, director and head of sustainability at AHR, said: 

“Today is a great day in realising the vision that we’ve been working with the Sciontec team on for the last two years, and is testament to the passion that they have to deliver a future proofed, sustainable and dynamic environment at a time when the demand for grade A, innovation-led, office space is growing. 

“HEMISPHERE will be the first new build office development in the Liverpool City Region, designed to be operational net zero carbon, achieving 55kwh/m2 per year, embodying 30% less carbon than a typical office building, 30% less energy consumption, 40% less glazing and 20% more natural ventilation.”

Set across eight floors, HEMISPHERE will be the most cycling commuter friendly workspace in Liverpool city centre, with 166 secure cycle spaces and e-bike charging facilities. Customers can also take advantage of the Paddington Shuttle, cutting the 15 minute walk uphill to Paddington Village, to a five minute bus journey. 

HEMISPHERE will also feature a wellness studio, outdoor workspaces and roof terrace, innovation lab, and multi-purpose event space.

Intentions for the development were first announced in 2021, with support from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which has already invested £12m into Paddington Village from the Single Investment Fund.

Sciontec is aiming to break ground at the end of 2023, with a completion date in late 2025.

For more information about Sciontec, visit the website and LinkedIn.