KQ Liverpool and Sciontec shortlisted for six awards

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We are thrilled to announce that KQ Liverpool and Sciontec have been shortlisted for a number of national, regional and local awards, recognising our talent and skills initiatives, property industry developments and our teams’ professional achievements. 

Estates Gazette Awards 2025

Talent & Skills Initiative of the Year – Knowledge Quarter Liverpool

This award recognises projects that focus on upskilling the industry, creating jobs in the community, and bolstering the talent pipeline.

KQ Futures, part-funded via the Liverpool City Region Innovation Zone, part of the Government’s Investment Zone programme across England, is KQ Liverpool’s inclusive innovation programme targeted at primary school through to sixth form students across Liverpool City Region.

There are a number of different strands to the KQ Futures programme, including the Animates children’s book, Career Insights Day, Future Innovators Programme and KQ Interns.

Read more here

Insider Media: Liverpool City Region Property Awards 2025

The Liverpool City Region Property Awards Ceremony is a highlight in the property industry calendar, bringing together the placemakers, investors and property professionals who are building and regenerating the area.

Developer of the Year – Sciontec

Recognised for our ongoing innovative approach to city centre based workspace through Sciontec AI, judges were also impressed with our recent milestones, including the launch of CENTRAL TECH and our plans for our new-build, lab focused site, HEMISPHERE, at Paddington Village.

Social Impact Award – KQ Futures Programme (KQ Liverpool)

As above, KQ Futures aims to transform career aspirations and better align them into local opportunities in key future growth sectors, including health and life sciences and other cross-cutting sectors. The programme is also supporting the LCR Careers Hub and Careers and Enterprise Company with the national pilot of the Equalex project that aims to deliver a meaningful work experience for all children in secondary schools.

Read more here

Liverpool Chamber Innovation in Business Awards 2025

Future Focused: Leading the Future Award – Colin Sinclair, Knowledge Quarter

This year marks the 175th anniversary of Liverpool Chamber, and with it comes a number of special recognition awards.

We are delighted that our CEO, Colin Sinclair, has been shortlisted in one of these categories, having demonstrated visionary leadership with a clear focus on driving innovation and positive change, backed by business growth and transformation. 

Colin has also been recognised for championing progress in areas like sustainability and inclusion, influencing regional growth, and fostering a future-focused mindset that positions both Sciontec and KQ Liverpool, as well as the Liverpool City Region, for long-term success.

Read more here

Downtown in Business – Livercool Awards 2025

The 23rd Annual “Livercool” Awards will celebrate the outstanding entrepreneurs, business leaders, and individuals who contribute to the growth of the Liverpool City Region economy.

Two of our talented team members have been shortlisted in different categories, and now require public votes in order to take home the titles!

Young Entrepreneur/One to Watch of the Year – Emily Robson 

KQ Liverpool’s Assistant CEO, Emily Robson, spent four years supporting the strategic development and delivery of inclusive innovation programmes within the innovation district, before being promoted in 2024 to her current role. Emily is now helping to accelerate the work KQ Liverpool does around inclusive growth, business support and skills, and has been recognised for her laser-like focus in maintaining momentum and pushing forward plans to deliver our objectives.

PR & Communications Personality of the Year – Sally Bloor

Sally is the Head of Marketing and Communications for both Sciontec and KQ Liverpool. She leads a team of four, working to deliver a broad range of marketing and lead generation campaigns to drive inward investment and customer retention, promote community and cultural engagement, and amplify the organisations’ messaging across digital and printed platforms. Sally’s wealth of experience within the sector and unrivalled attention to detail in all aspects of her work makes her a very worthy candidate for winning this award.

The winners of each Livercool Award are determined by a public vote, rather than a judging panel! Please join us in supporting our colleagues and place your votes for them in the below link. 

Read more and vote here

It is also rewarding to see so many of our Partners, stakeholders and wider supply chain shortlisted in a range of categories across these Awards too.

Col-ossal challenge hits the headlines

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Our Chief Executive, Colin Sinclair, is set to embark on an epic run around the Liverpool City Region to raise funds for six local charities.

News of his colossal quest is already running in the press, with coverage detailing the reasons behind the challenge, the vital support that each of the Liverpool City Region based charities we’re fundraising for provides, along with an outline of Colin’s previous sporting achievements.

You can read more by clicking on each of the titles below:

 

To make a donation, however small, please visit out GiveWheel page here.

Key landmark demolished as innovation scheme enters new phase

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Liverpool’s flagship £1bn Knowledge Quarter development is set to enter a new phase – following the completion of the demolition of a key landmark.

Removal of the former Smithdown Lane Police Station at the Paddington Village South scheme has now completed, paving the way for new development opportunities under a masterplan being co-ordinated by Liverpool City Council and the University of Liverpool.

Paddington South, which is backed by MHCLG funding, is the next instalment of the *multi award-winning Paddington Village development.

This site currently includes the WELL Platinum standard rated Spine Building, which provides Grade A office space, a multi-storey car park, and the Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village Hotel.

The ambition for the Paddington South masterplan will be to super charge the city’s research, development and innovation sector, whilst creating a vibrant new neighbourhood for the area, embedded in sustainable development principles.

Central to the 9-acre scheme will be a revamped public green space around Grove Street, with the aim of improving biodiversity by 10% as part of the city’s wider urban green up programme and, new active travel routes linked to the wider City cycle network.

The new green space will be aligned with the Liverpool Public Realm, and Design for Access for All Strategic Planning Documents with the aim of achieving zero carbon in operation, aligning with the Council’s 2030 net zero ambitions and assisting the University in its 2035 net zero campus aim.

Through the demolition of Smithdown Lane Police Station, lead contractor Morgan Sindall Construction has aimed to recycle and reuse as much of the existing materials as possible. Working in partnership with local charity ReciproCity, existing furniture from the building was recycled and donated to local charities and businesses, which avoided in excess of 250 office desks and chairs along with other furniture from going to landfill.

Morgan Sindall has previously delivered an infrastructure package of works, The Spine,  The Novotel and the MSCP on the Paddington Village Central site. This, combined with the ongoing works at Paddington South has so far delivered  £122.5m of social value for Liverpool, including engaging with 3,534 students, employing 123 Apprentices over 1,623 apprentice weeks and engaging over 150 people through our Knowledge Quad employment courses.

  • The City Council owned Paddington Village site has earned numerous industry awards including eight Considerate Construction Awards including “Most Considerate Site”, an Innovation Award from the BCO for The Spine and three Constructing Excellence North West Awards for The Spine.

Minister for Local Growth, Alex Norris, MP, said: 

“The Paddington South site is set to become a hub for research and innovation, driving growth and opportunities in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter and beyond, helping us deliver on our Plan for Change.

“Liverpool has always been at the forefront with new ideas and innovation so it’s exciting that the project has entered this new phase, and I look forward to seeing it progress in the months ahead.”

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:

“The clearance of the old police station at Paddington South is a landmark moment in our journey to ensuring Liverpool becomes one of Europe’s leading R&D centres in science innovation.

“An expanded Paddington Village is vital to the city’s future economic growth and to creating a conveyor belt of high skilled jobs. Once delivered, this former brownfield site will become the engine room for the delivery of our wider Investment Zone plans for the coming decade and beyond.

“I’m delighted the focus on providing a world-class development is as much on sustainability and creating a new green lung in the city and look forward to seeing the masterplan for the site take shape and develop.”

Professor Tim Jones, Vice Chancellor at the University of Liverpool, said:

“We are excited about this latest milestone in the development of Paddington South. This site provides us with an exciting opportunity to realise a step-change in our research and development activities in areas where we are already rated as world-leading.

“We are particularly passionate about the important benefits the development will have for our city in terms of jobs, reputation, wealth generation and more.”

Colin Sinclair, CEO at Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, said:

“Paddington Village is intrinsic to the future success of the KQ Liverpool innovation district, with the capability to help create upwards of 10,000 new, highly-skilled jobs in the city region, building on our existing strengths in life sciences, robotics engineering and materials chemistry.

“The provision of green space and other amenities is crucial in creating a genuine sense of place and attracting people to live and work here. We look forward to supporting Morgan Sindall and the city council in their efforts to complete this next phase of work – taking us a step closer to realising the enormous potential of Paddington Village.”

Steven Gregory, North West Area Director at Morgan Sindall, said:

“The completion of this demolition marks a key milestone not just in the transformation of Paddington Village South, but in Liverpool’s wider ambition to become a powerhouse for innovation.

“As in our previous work at the Knowledge Quarter, we’ve taken a sustainability-first approach – maximising reuse and recycling throughout the process, and working with fantastic partners like ReciproCity to ensure surplus furniture went to local charities instead of landfill. This project is about building for the future – creating opportunities, driving social value, and leaving a legacy that benefits the community for generations to come.”

LCR In a Day Charity Run

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We’re proud to announce a bold and inspiring fundraising challenge led by our CEO, Colin Sinclair, who will run 50 miles across all six boroughs of the Liverpool City Region in just one day.

Taking place on Friday, 5 September 2025, the run aims to raise vital funds for six incredible local charities, each one making a real difference in its community.

Our chosen charities are:

  • Home-Start UK, Knowsley – Supports struggling families that are having difficulties across the borough.
  • Ykids Limited, Sefton – Children’s charity making a difference to the lives of children and young people in Bootle.
  • Stick ‘n’ Step, Halton – Enabling, inspiring and supporting children with cerebral palsy and their families.
  • Centre 56, Liverpool – A domestic abuse nursery, supporting families who have experienced abuse or who are in crisis.
  • St Helens Young Carers, St Helens – Supporting young carers across the borough to help reduce the negative impact of their caring role.
  • Claire House Children’s Hospice, Wirral – Helping seriously and terminally ill children make the most of the time they have however long or short that may be.

This ambitious effort is a natural extension of KQ Liverpool’s mission to drive inclusive innovation and improve lives across the City Region. As the force behind the KQ Futures programme, funded by the Liverpool City Region Innovation Zone, part of the UK Government’s Investment Zone programme, KQ Liverpool is already creating opportunities and raising aspirations for children and young people across the region.

Now, Colin Sinclair is taking that commitment a step further. The “LCR in a Day” challenge will see him cover 50 miles in a single day, crossing all six boroughs and raising funds for charities that provide life-changing support across the region.

The initiative is a call to action for the entire Liverpool City Region to rally behind a shared mission of impact and community. Everyone is invited to get involved, whether by making a donation, contributing a raffle prize, or spreading the word across social and professional networks. Donations can be made via the LCR In a Day Give Wheel donation page, and every pound raised will go directly to the charities.

With just six weeks to train, Colin is embracing the challenge wholeheartedly and counting on the support of the region to help make a meaningful difference. A detailed route map will be released soon on KQ Liverpool’s social media channels, where updates and progress will also be shared in the lead-up to the event.

Landmark investment set to transform Liverpool’s Fabric District

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UPDATED POST

Liverpool is investing in its future – with a transformational scheme at the heart of the city’s emerging Fabric District.

A £3.4m Section 106 investment – the largest of its kind this century – has been approved by Liverpool City Council to kickstart the Monument Place makeover.

Pending Cabinet sign-off, this figure could soon be matched by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (Liverpool City Region Combined Authority), delivering a landmark project between the Knowledge Quarter and Lime Street.

Key features include:
✅ Dedicated bus-priority lanes and signal upgrades
✅ A high-quality public square with rain gardens, seating, and space for events
✅ Enhanced walking and cycling routes connecting to the city’s active travel network

Co-designed with the Fabric District CIC and stakeholders, the scheme merges Metro network improvements with public realm enhancements—all delivered as one contract under a proposed Section 8 Highways Act agreement with LCRCA.

Concept designs by Mott MacDonald and LDA Design are now at RIBA Stage 2, and public consultation has helped shape the next phase.

This project doesn’t just improve infrastructure—it redefines how Liverpool connects, moves, and thrives. A future-facing investment in placemaking, accessibility and climate resilience.

 

ORIGINAL POST ON 14TH JULY

The green light is set to be given for a radical makeover of a major Liverpool corridor thanks to a landmark multi-million pound boost.

Liverpool City Council has approved a £3.4m injection – its biggest Section 106 contribution of the century – to help fund a transformational scheme in the heart of the city’s emerging Fabric District, between the Knowledge Quarter and Lime Street.

And the historic sum could soon be doubled by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) pending approval of the scheme by the Council’s Cabinet.

A report to the Cabinet, tomorrow Tuesday (15 July) is seeking to confirm plans for a redesigned Monument Place, introducing dedicated bus-priority lanes and upgraded traffic signals on London Road – boosting service reliability on routes.

And thanks to the Section 106 funding, made up of monies collected from developments in the area and the match-funded LCRCA contribution, Monument Place will also be transformed into a high-quality district square with new paving, landscaping, rain gardens, seating and an event space – strengthening the Fabric District’s identity.

High-quality walking and cycling connections into Liverpool’s wider active-travel network will also be included. The funding and cabinet report comes as a public consultation on the scheme has been completed. Following the consultation, detailed designs will now be developed in collaboration with stakeholders.

The ambitious project combines the Metro network improvements with the Monument Place public realm works, in a partnership between the Council and LCRCA.

To enable this joined-up delivery, Cabinet is set to approve a Section 8 Highways Act 1980 agreement granting LCRCA the powers to carry out highway improvements from Lime Street to Low Hill.

Concept designs, developed jointly by Mott MacDonald and LDA Design, are now at RIBA Stage 2.

They were produced in collaboration with the Fabric District CIC through a series of stakeholder working group sessions.

The design team has also incorporated and built upon previous engagement undertaken by the Fabric District CIC. Once delivered the scheme would complement plans  to upgrade the St George’s Gateway which connects to this area of the city centre.

Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said:

“Monument Place and the Metro upgrades mark a major turning point for one of Liverpool’s most vital city-centre corridors.

“This project will deliver quicker, cleaner bus services alongside a beautifully reimagined public space that works for everyone – residents, visitors and businesses alike.

“This bold initiative demonstrates how combining smart transport with public realm improvements can fuel growth, cut emissions and create a city that’s easier to move around and healthier to live in.”

Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet member for Economy and Growth, added:

“I’m delighted that we have been able to make such a substantial Section 106 contribution to such a significant scheme.

“Thanks to this unprecedented funding injection we’ll be able to realise this imaginative and creative project, which will help transform the look and feel of the Fabric District and further improve its appeal to new investors.”

Simon O’Brien, Walking and Cycling Commissioner for the Liverpool City Region said:

“These are bold and exciting plans that will transform how people move between Liverpool city centre, the vibrant Fabric District, and surrounding areas.

“Improving walking, cycling, and bus links is about transport and much more – it’s about unlocking the full potential of this part of the city region, making it healthier, more connected, and more accessible for everyone.”

IT’S TIME TO SHINE – AND WE NEED YOUR VOTE!

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We are thrilled to announce that two of our most hard working colleagues have been nominated for the 23rd Annual “Livercool” Awards!

We are delighted to share that our wonderful assistant CEO, Emily Robson, has been given the opportunity to win the ‘Young Entrepreneur and One to Watch of the Year’ award. Emily has been such an asset to KQ Liverpool already and this nomination is a reflection on all of the hard work she puts into the company. Her drive for success has paid off and we would love to see her achieve this award. 

Sally Bloor, Head of Marketing and Communications for Sciontec and KQ Liverpool, has also been nominated for an award, this time for the ‘PR & Communications Personality of the Year’. Sally is always giving maximum effort to help lead the companies’ marketing strategy and campaigns and we are so excited for her to hopefully win the award, because no one deserves it more than she does! 

A number of our innovation district collaborators and stakeholders are featured too, including Natalie Reeves Billing & Alex Cousins for the Animates project, within the ‘Dynamic Duo of the Year 2025’ category, as well as Hope Street Hotel’s Jan Morris, for the ‘Visitor Economy & Hospitality Personality of the Year’ award.

Winners in all categories will be decided through a public vote, taking place over the next couple of months and the nominees will be invited to a lovely awards dinner on 20th November, hosted by Downtown In Business, at the amazing Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Downtown in Business themselves are an award-winning and rapidly expanding organisation, leading growth in the North of England and the West Midlands. They recognise that strong connections are key to helping businesses succeed and their network currently includes over 300 member companies from across the UK, spanning both the public and private sectors.

Voting for the ‘Livercool’ Awards is now open, and you can help Emily and Sally take home the win by voting for them online. They are so deserving of their nominated awards and it would mean the world to them to win the top spot! It only takes a few seconds so please join us and vote now!

Cast your vote here