Liverpool sets out plan for its first net zero building

The first steps to deliver Liverpool’s first operational net zero carbon building will be taken this week.

The proposed £35m building will feature 116,000 square feet of office space for health, education, science and tech occupiers in the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) Innovation District.

The building will be delivered by the KQ Liverpool spin-out development company, Sciontec, and will aim to achieve a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) excellent rating.

It is estimated that the new office space will create up to 800 new jobs in the knowledge sector and support up to 100 apprenticeships during the construction phase, forming part of Liverpool’s plans to stimulate economic growth post-pandemic.

Cllr Sarah Doyle, Deputy Mayor of Liverpool and Cabinet Member for Development and Economy, said: ‘For Liverpool’s post-pandemic economic recovery to succeed, we need to deliver high quality schemes that generate skilled jobs that are rooted in industries that reflect the needs of the 21st century.

‘I’m delighted with the vision and ambition behind HEMISPHERE to be Liverpool’s first net zero carbon building. It would be a great addition to Paddington Village and would also provide Liverpool with much needed Grade A office space, giving people fantastic conditions to work in.

‘There are a few steps to take before HEMISPHERE becomes a reality but its potential impact on our knowledge economy is exciting. It would also highlight how serious the city is in tackling climate change as well as attracting the brightest minds to develop cutting edge medical research.’

Colin Sinclair, Chief Executive of Sciontec, added: ‘HEMISPHERE will further build on the success of The Spine and the other recent developments at Paddington Village to create a world class destination for health, education, science and technology. This will not only help deliver highly skilled jobs for people within the KQ Liverpool Innovation District but for people all across the Liverpool City Region.’

In related news, the UK’s first net zero carbon social homes have been completed in East Manchester, with the two properties passed over to residents as part of a wider low carbon housing development.

Photo supplied by Liverpool City Council