Liverpool building to become one of the first new builds in the UK designed to achieve six global sustainability accreditations

Further details have been revealed for "Hemisphere" a new £56million development on Paddington Village in the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool Innovation District which will be operational net zero.

An artists view of the first new build office development in Liverpool, designed to be operational net zero carbon

"Hemisphere" will provide prime Grade A office space, and will be one of the UK’s first new builds with operational Net-Zero, Platinum WELL, BREEAM Excellent, EPC Rated A, WiredScore certified and NABERS 5.5*.

The building is, its developers Sciontec say, designed for people who care about making places and the environment better and those that are driven by innovation and inclusivity.

Situated next to the existing "The Spine" building on Paddington Village, the building will be the first new-build development for Sciontec, the owners of Liverpool Science Park.

Colin Sinclair, Chief executive of Sciontec and KQ Liverpool, said:

“We’re proud to be working with Liverpool City Council, with the support of the City Region, to deliver a holistic approach to creating Paddington Village as an inclusive destination for health, life sciences, tech and digital innovation. Nothing encapsulates that vision more than Paddington’s next new building, the 120,000 sq ft Hemisphere.

“Hemisphere promises to change the future of work. Operational net zero carbon; designed for people who truly care about the environment, for businesses and agencies who are driven by innovation, inclusivity and wellbeing."

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, added:

“Developments like this are befitting of a modern, forward-looking city region like ours. Sciontec’s plans for Hemisphere encapsulate much of my vision for the region: harnessing the expertise of our world-class universities in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter, attracting nationwide jobs and housing it all in one of the cleanest, greenest buildings in our region – the first to be operationally net zero.

“With world leading industry clusters in infectious disease control, materials chemistry, and AI, all on our doorstep, we have a thriving innovation economy. But to keep it growing, it’s vital that we are able to offer businesses the high-tech, sustainable office space they need to flourish and catapult our area to the forefront of UK innovation. Hemisphere will help take us there – and I can’t wait to see it start to take shape!”

The building is being designed by AHR Architects. Rob Hopkins, director and head of sustainability at AHR, said:

“Today is a great day in realising the vision that we’ve been working with the Sciontec team on for the last two years, and is testament to the passion that they have to deliver a future proofed, sustainable and dynamic environment at a time when the demand for grade A, innovation-led, office space is growing.

“Hemisphere will be the first new build office development in the Liverpool City Region, designed to be operational net zero carbon, achieving 55kwh/m2 per year, embodying 30% less carbon than a typical office building, 30% less energy consumption, 40% less glazing and 20% more natural ventilation.”

Set across eight floors, Hemisphere will be the most cycling commuter friendly workspace in Liverpool city centre, with 166 secure cycle spaces and e-bike charging facilities. People will be able to take advantage of the Paddington Shuttle, cutting the 15 minute walk uphill to Paddington Village, to a five minute bus journey.

Hemisphere will also feature a wellness studio, outdoor workspaces and roof terrace, innovation lab, and multi-purpose event space.

Sciontec is aiming to break ground at the end of 2023, with a completion date in late 2025.