Plans to expand Sci-Tech Daresbury, the Liverpool City Region’s national science and innovation campus, could create around 250 high-skilled jobs, including 100 roles in a new office and innovation space, under proposals being considered by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Up to £7.5 million in Life Sciences Innovation Zone funding is being sought to support the construction of a 23,000 sq.ft building, part of Project Violet Phase 2, which builds on the success of Phase 1 – completed in 2022 and now fully occupied.
Phase 2 includes a 60,000 sq.ft laboratory-enabled building already approved, set to accommodate 150 high-skilled jobs, alongside a second building with 23,000 sq.ft of office and innovation space for high-value science and tech businesses.
If funding is approved, construction of both buildings will begin next summer, further strengthening the region’s position as a life sciences powerhouse.
Phase 1 delivered 43,000 sq.ft of Grade A office space across three buildings, attracting global firms such as Blackmagic Design and Geek+.
These companies were drawn to Sci-Tech Daresbury’s unique environment for innovation and business growth, reinforcing its role in the north of England’s only national science and innovation campus.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, said:
“There’s a reason we’re shortlisted to be next year’s European Capital of Innovation - it’s the golden thread that runs through everything we do.
“Sci-Tech Daresbury is one of the jewels in our region’s innovation crown. It’s a place where world-leading research and cutting-edge businesses are helping to power our economy and put the Liverpool City Region on the global map for science and technology.
“That’s why we’re continuing to invest to create hundreds of high-quality jobs, attract new businesses and build the kind of thriving, forward-looking economy that gives local people the chance to succeed.”
The Combined Authority will also consider backing a £900,000 Health and Life Sciences Proof of Concept Fund, part of the Innovation Zone. Delivered by the Science and Technology Facilities Council, the £1.15 million initiative will:
- Support 12–20 consortiums over three years
- Provide £270,000 annually to up to six consortiums
- Help validate technologies and accelerate R&D
- Stimulate collaboration between businesses and researchers
Lead partners must be based in the Liverpool City Region, ensuring local impact and innovation.
Image credit: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
