Top UK investable projects: Paddington South, Liverpool
Project overview
Paddington South represents the next major phase of Liverpool City Council’s £1 billion flagship innovation district, Paddington Village, positioned at the heart of the city’s Knowledge Quarter. This new 50,000 sq m development will transform a former brownfield site into a vibrant, sustainability-focused innovation and life sciences cluster.
Paddington South is designed to build on the momentum of the already successful Paddington Central development. The masterplan includes new science and research facilities, educational spaces, high-quality offices and potential residential elements, all integrated with nine acres of green public realm.
Central to the vision is the creation of a globally competitive health and life sciences ecosystem, contributing to Liverpool’s strategic ambition to position itself as a leading centre for research, innovation, and commercialisation in healthcare and science.
The opportunity
Paddington South offers live investment opportunities across multiple development components, from office and lab space to housing and placemaking. The project is open to limited partners and co-investors interested in supporting the build-out of a new innovation and life sciences destination in one of the UK’s fastest-evolving regional cities.
Liverpool City Council and the University of Liverpool are seeking capital investment of £50 million to £100 million to help realise this next stage of the Knowledge Quarter.
Financials
The gross development value of Paddington South is estimated at £100 million-plus, with a multi-phase development model structured to allow for long-term value creation across key sectors. Site-enabling and infrastructure works are planned from 2024-2026, with Phase 1 construction targeted to begin by 2029.
Project sponsor
Paddington South is being brought forward by Liverpool City Council in partnership with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. The scheme aligns with wider economic and regeneration strategies and has strong public sector support.
Significance
This new innovation and research hub will drive forward Liverpool’s ambitions to become a national leader in health and life sciences, creating new jobs, investment, and a sustainable mixed-use community. It builds on the Knowledge Quarter’s track record of attracting global institutions and research partners, while contributing to the city’s growth and net-zero goals.
The pitch
Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter is already home to top universities, hospitals, and research centres. Paddington South brings a new layer of opportunity to this ecosystem, offering scalable, investor-ready projects with long-term value potential.
With strong transport links, a supportive city authority, and a growing innovation economy, Paddington South represents one of the UK’s most compelling life sciences and regeneration opportunities.
