Liverpool’s HEMISPHERE development is set to include lab space as part of the city’s life science investment zone. Originally planned as an office project, the 116,000 sq ft scheme has been updated to incorporate 50,000 sq ft of lab space in line with the city region’s vision for the life sciences sector.
Under the new plans by Sciontec, the top three floors of the eight-story building will be dedicated to labs, with an occupier already lined up. The facility, known as HEMISPHERE, will act as a showcase for health and life sciences, as well as net zero carbon innovation and technology.
The addition of lab space aims to provide much-needed growth opportunities for existing lab customers and attract new labs to the Liverpool City Region, cementing its status as an attractive destination for businesses in the sector. This move aligns with the city’s goal of offering high-tech, sustainable office spaces and lab facilities to support the thriving innovation economy.
In addition to the lab space, the building will feature office spaces on floors three and four, with the ground, first, and second floors housing communal and amenity spaces like an innovation lab, events space, and wellness studio. The development has been designed by AHR Architects, with CBRE and Knight Frank retained as agents.
The Liverpool City Region was designated as a life sciences investment zone earlier this year, focusing on the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries. Paddington Village will act as the center of this investment zone, accommodating companies in the health and life sciences sector. Other sites in neighboring boroughs will also be part of the investment zone, expanding its reach.
HEMISPHERE is a key component of Paddington Village, located in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, and is an important strategic site for the city council. The building’s sustainability credentials are impressive, with plans to achieve net-zero carbon operations and significantly reduce embodied carbon and glazing compared to typical office buildings. Sciontec is targeting various certifications, including Platinum WELL Standard, BREEAM Excellent rating, WiredScore certification, and NABERS 5.5*.
The inclusion of HEMISPHERE in Paddington Village is seen as a great asset to the city’s knowledge economy, providing high-quality laboratory space to meet the demand in Liverpool. The development will support existing industries and attract further investment to drive innovation and growth.
Overall, the HEMISPHERE development’s integration of lab space reflects Liverpool’s commitment to fostering the life sciences sector and providing an environment conducive to research, development, and collaboration.
