29 June 2009
Second innovation centre launched at Liverpool Science
Park
The growth of Liverpool’s knowledge economy received a boost
this week with the official opening of a second landmark building
at Liverpool Science Park (LSP), increasing the provision of high
quality office facilities and services for science and
knowledge-based companies in the city.
The £9.9 million innovation centre (ic2), which was funded by a
£6.75 million investment from the Northwest Regional Development
Agency (NWDA) and £3.17 million European Objective One, aims to
build on the success of the first innovation centre (ic1), which
has experienced rapid growth since its opening in 2006.
The new four-storey 38,750 sq ft facility on Brownlow Hill,
co-located with ic1, provides easy access to the city’s knowledge
quarter and offers further high specification, lab compatible
office space, along with a range of business support services. The
state-of-the-art facility has already welcomed its first tenant and
a third of the building is currently under option and interest from
a range of businesses.
Mark Hughes, NWDA Executive Director of Economic Development,
said:
“Liverpool’s knowledge quarter is a crucial driver of the city’s
economy and the expansion of Liverpool Science Park will help to
support its continued growth. In order to build on its reputation
as a growing business location, it is vital that Liverpool
maintains a strong portfolio of high quality office space,
particularly in the current economic climate.
Building on the significant success of ic1, the launch of the
second innovation centre at LSP will help to attract new science
and knowledge-based companies to the city, as well as enabling
existing companies to expand, creating new jobs and bringing in new
investment.”
Liz Meek, Regional Director of Government Office for the North
West, said:
“European funding has changed the face of Liverpool and
transformed its future prospects. Liverpool Science Park is a big
part of that future and the opening of this second building
demonstrates that even in difficult times the confidence that
exists in the city’s knowledge economy.”
LSP is a joint venture between Liverpool City Council, John
Moores University and the University of Liverpool.
ends
For further information please contact Sarah Moston, Press
Officer on 01925 400552 or 07810 528 471 or Sarah.Moston@nwda.co.uk
For further information and to view all press releases visit us
at www.nwda.co.uk/press
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the
economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is
responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging
investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and
communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life