New look unveiled for Sciontech laboratory in Paddington Village

Sciontec has unveiled a new look for its HEMISPHERE laboratory and office space scheme in Liverpool, due to complete in 2028, including a fully brick-built exterior echoing the city’s architectural heritage.

The 150,000 sq ft (gross), eight-storey development on Paddington Village will become one of Liverpool’s first red brick commercial structures for more than a century, and one of the largest since the construction of the Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse in 1901.

Main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction will employ multiple teams of up to 60 bricklayers, including apprentices, across the approximately 22-month build programme, creating jobs and opportunities for local sub-contractors.

With a facade concept design by AHR Architects Ltd, the scheme draws on the rich architectural dialogue between Liverpool and New York. In the mid-19th century, Liverpool developed a distinctive vernacular architecture shaped by the practical demands of dock storage. Projects like the Albert Dock and the Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse established the robust brick proportions that defined the city’s waterfront.

These ideas travelled west. In New York, architects adapted Liverpool’s vernacular for buildings in SoHo and neighbouring districts, retaining those characteristic brick proportions.

HEMISPHERE reverses that journey – reimporting those evolved ideas back to their rightful home in Liverpool, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, said:

“Innovation is in Liverpool’s DNA and the plans for HEMISPHERE are central to our collective ambitions to create life-changing opportunities for local people, both today and in future generations.

“Bricklaying is a discipline particularly close to my heart, so I’m obviously delighted to hear that this vital trade skill will be front and centre on this project. It is especially exciting to see this latest update announced during an important week, as we showcase our strengths and investment potential at MIPIM.”

Barbara Spicer CBE, chair of Sciontec, said:

“HEMISPHERE is a unique opportunity. It is a transformational lever for economic investment and will provide a legacy of highly skilled jobs for future generations across the Liverpool City Region.

“The updated design reflects our commitment to create something sustainable that connects to our mercantile and architectural heritage.”

Colin Sinclair, chief executive of Sciontec, said:

“The HEMISPHERE project is a key step in the regeneration of Liverpool, completing Paddington Village and continuing the expansion of Liverpool’s now globally renowned KQ Liverpool innovation district.

“Following on from the success of our Liverpool Science Park and CENTRAL TECH buildings, HEMISPHERE will deliver the additional CAT 2 labs and larger innovative workspaces that our fast-growing customers need.

“HEMISPHERE will also help to unlock inward investment in life sciences in Liverpool, attracting new global players in science and tech into the Liverpool City Region, bringing new innovation and creating higher-value jobs.”

Robert Hopkins, director at AHR, said:

“I can’t wait to see HEMISPHERE coming to fruition. This design is a genuine homecoming. Liverpool’s architectural ideas shaped New York, and now we’re bringing that evolved language back where it belongs.

“What excites me most is how the facade tells the story of the building from the outside. The brickwork references the two hemispheres of the brain: the upper floors, home to the laboratories, express the frontal lobe – the place of detection and discovery. Below, the workplace floors reflect the temporal lobe, where detection becomes understanding and ideas become reality.

“It’s a building that wears its purpose proudly. Liverpool has always led in architectural ambition, and HEMISPHERE continues that tradition in the most fitting way.”

The updates to the building are being led by its professional team, which consists of AHR Architects, Curtins, Morgan Sindall, Silcock Leedham, Stantec and Walker Sime. The retained leasing agents are Avison Young, Carter Jonas and Worthington Owen.