Delivering the masterplan
The masterplan brings together our collective vision and priorities for Paddington South, aiming to maximise the full potential of the site. It acts as the guiding framework for our plans and ensures they are developed in a thoughtful and coordinated way.
Four initial development plots have been identified to deliver a range of science research and innovation facilities, incorporating land previously held by Smithdown Lane Police Station, which was demolished in 2025. Located towards the eastern edge of the site, the plots present a significant opportunity to meet the city’s growth ambitions within the sector.
World-class University chemistry facilities
Commercial laboratories and workshops
Vibrant community spaces within a high-quality public realm
Improved biodiversity, including retained green spaces and trees
Strong connections into the University campus and City Centre
Integrated active travel, prioritising walking, wheeling and cycling
Masterplan - click to enlarge
Built on Innovation
Alongside two commercial laboratories, a new £111m University of Liverpool facility for chemical sciences will come forward and house a new £100 million AI Materials Hub for Innovation, named AIM-HI. The facility will focus on artificial intelligence in materials chemistry - an area of research the University is already internationally renowned for, with the aim to accelerate breakthroughs in areas such as net-zero.
The Hub will feature state-of-the-art research spaces, as well as an ‘innovation incubator’ designed to bring academic and industrial researchers together and enable their work to grow commercially, beyond the campus.
Alongside two commercial laboratories, a new £111m University of Liverpool facility for chemical sciences will come forward and house a new £100 million AI Materials Hub for Innovation, named AIM-HI. The facility will focus on artificial intelligence in materials chemistry - an area of research the University is already internationally renowned for.
The Hub will also feature state-of-the-art research spaces, as well as an ‘innovation incubator’ designed to bring academic and industrial researchers together and enable their work to grow commercially, beyond the campus.
Creating spaces for connection
Green spaces are essential for connection, living well and sustainably - three key elements which guide our proposals for a 3-acre green-lung at the heart of the masterplan.
Our plans will enhance and retain much of the existing greenspace and trees adjacent to Grove Street, so the site continues to support natural habitats to thrive and keeps spaces open for people to visit, dwell, enjoy and engage in.
Key to a 10% biodiversity net-gain across the development
Contributing to the city’s wider green initiatives
Properly managed and maintained for generations to come
A defining and valued feature of Paddington South
As part of these plans, we’re exploring the possibility of a multi-purpose pavilion to serve as a focal point and bring the community together. The pavilion could provide opportunities for food, drink and other commercial offers, as well as supporting community initiatives – but let us know what you think.
Open Space Analysis
As part of the strategic masterplan, we are exploring the re-alignment of Open Space as referenced in the Liverpool Local Plan. The proposed masterplan will not result in a net loss of Open Space, but we are proposing to re-distribute it as part of the work to retain and enhance the existing green space, while identifying the strategic position of development plots.
Access for all
A high-quality public realm will create a genuine sense of place and arrival at Paddington South, ensuring an accessible and welcoming experience for anyone who visits, works, studies or lives here.
Aligning to the city’s Public Realm Strategy, our plans will address current access and safety challenges posed by poor lighting, traffic and anti-social behaviour.
To make journeys safer and easy to navigate, good lighting and accessible landscaping will make routes through the space both clear and direct, supported by tree-lined pathways and wayfinding.
Improved Connections
Whether you are arriving at Paddington South or heading towards the city centre, our ambition is to establish the site as a gateway - where anyone can walk, wheel or cycle towards opportunity.
Pedestrian access into and through the site will be provided at seven key entry points, comprising improved access at three locations on Smithdown Lane and two access points on Oxford Street and Grove Street respectively.
A new ‘super crossing’ will reinstate the historic Crown Street and become a direct link from the University Campus to Paddington South. The crossing will connect to new cycle lanes passing through the site from Oxford Street and Oxford Street East, which form part of the city’s growing active travel network.
To encourage more active journeys and sustainable, healthy lifestyles, improved safety measures will be put in place for a more enjoyable experience for pedestrians and cyclists.
Future Opportunities
Around 50,000 sq. meters has been allocated for development, which creates space for future development opportunities to come forward too. This includes new homes and additional education or commercial facilities to be delivered towards the north of the site at a later date.
Improvements to the University’s existing chemistry buildings are also being explored as part of the masterplan. The Donnan and Rob Robinson buildings have been subject to on-going upgrades, and the long-term vision is to expand and reimagine these buildings as part of Paddington South.
The development proposals also illustrate indicative cycle and walking routes across the site, which will connect to and benefit from a broader programme to improve Liverpool’s cycling and walking infrastructure. This will come forward separately in a future consultation.