Liverpool’s first net-zero building gets go-ahead

Liverpool City Council has given planning approval for what is said to be Merseyside’s first net-zero in operation office block.

Known as Hemisphere, work is expected to start on the building next year. The eight-storey structure is being developed by Sciontec, which is jointly owned by Liverpool John Moores University, the University of Liverpool, Liverpool City Council, and Bruntwood SciTech.

Remi Smith, Commercial Manager at Sciontec, said: “The 1,393m² floorplates have each been designed to accommodate around 160 people and will comprise a mix of open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, private spaces and breakout areas, creating a community feel and meeting the market demand for flexible, future-proof office spaces.

“With Sciontec’s emphasis on wellbeing, including customer amenities, we anticipate high demand for workspace within this groundbreaking new building.

“Furthermore, our pioneering development will have a direct, positive impact on Liverpool’s standings in the provision of high-quality innovation-led workspace, which is not only net-zero carbon in operation, but also Platinum WELL Standard.”

The developer said, occupiers will benefit from the building’s world-leading design credentials and amenities that support health, social and cultural wellbeing.

Its unique outdoor workspaces and industrial collaboration hub on the ground floor will also provide opportunities for a diverse mix of innovators, students, SMEs, freelancers and large corporations to meet and collaborate.