In a bold move set to catalyze Liverpool’s innovation ecosystem, the iconic Copperas Hill building—formerly known as Sensor City—has been acquired by Sciontec, a development vehicle spearheaded by the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool City Council, and Bruntwood SciTech. This strategic acquisition is poised to transform the 27,000 sq ft structure into a global nexus for health, life sciences, technology, and digitalization, leveraging the ultrafast LCR Connect network.
Situated within the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool innovation district, the revamped building, now dubbed Central Tech, is set to reopen in May following a comprehensive refurbishment. The initiative, backed by fresh investment, aims to create a cutting-edge urban technology hub that will not only foster innovation but also drive economic growth and job creation in the region.
The building, originally completed by Kier Construction in 2017 under the stewardship of the two universities, has been earmarked for a £2m upgrade. This transformation is expected to breathe new life into the currently vacant structure, positioning it as a magnet for tech and life sciences enterprises. Its strategic location near Liverpool Lime Street and Central stations, adjacent to LJMU’s Student Life and Sport Buildings, offers customers access to a rich ecosystem of university facilities, retail, and leisure options.
Central Tech will also provide customers with access to the Academic Support & Knowledge (ASK) initiative, connecting them with specialist teams and experts from the universities to bolster their projects. This integration of academic support underscores the building’s role as a bridge between cutting-edge research and commercial innovation.
Professor Mark Power, vice-chancellor at LJMU and chair of Sciontec, emphasized the significance of this deal, stating, “Sciontec has worked closely with the Sensor City company and the key grant funders, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to bring this important facility back to life, with vital new investment. This landmark deal with our Universities, City Council and private sector partner Bruntwood SciTech will mark an exciting transformation in the city’s innovation and technology infrastructure. We are confident that CENTRAL TECH will help to create high value jobs in health, science and technology and bring growth to the City Region.”
Trish Wallace, strategic projects and people manager at Sciontec, added, “Liverpool City Region is rapidly becoming a superpower in health and life sciences innovation, so we are pleased to announce our plans to reopen the building and invite anyone that would like to see the space for themselves to contact us.”
Central Tech will join Sciontec’s expanding portfolio of innovation facilities, which includes the Liverpool Science Park innovation centres (iC1, iC2, and iC3), Sciontec AI at The Spine, and the planned Hemisphere One and Two buildings at Paddington Village. Morgan Sindall has been appointed as the main contractor for the £61m Hemisphere One, with work set to commence this autumn. Carter Jonas has been named as the agent for Hemisphere Two, which will follow later.
Cllr Nick Small, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for growth and economy, hailed the investment as a major vote of confidence in the city’s burgeoning life sciences sector. “This announcement of new investment is fantastic news for the city’s Knowledge Quarter and a huge vote of confidence in our blossoming life sciences sector. This building will be an amazing facility and builds on the recent multi-million pound boost for our plans to continue the development of nearby Paddington Village. This kind of investment attracts high quality businesses and high skilled, well-paid jobs and I’ll be delighted to see CENTRAL TECH open its doors.”
Sciontec’s success with the Liverpool Science Park takeover in 2020, which saw occupancy levels soar and retained profits increase, underscores the potential for Central Tech. The three Science Park buildings are now operating at near full capacity, with over £1m recently invested.
Chris Oglesby, chief executive of Bruntwood SciTech, highlighted the acquisition’s significance. “The acquisition of Sensor City marks a significant milestone in ours and Sciontec’s ongoing commitment to further enhancing innovation and growth within Knowledge Quarter Liverpool. CENTRAL TECH will serve as a dynamic hub for health
