Funding boost for project at Sci-Tech Daresbury

At the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority meeting on Friday, members were updated on the progress being made on a key innovation zone scheme, Project Violet phase two.

As recommended, the Combined Authority delegated authority to the executive director of investment and delivery to approve the provision of a further £7.5 million of grant funding from the innovation zone programme to Sci-Tech Daresbury SIC LLP to support the delivery of a second building as part of Project Violet phase two.

It is subject to the submission of a “satisfactory” full business case in accordance with the innovation zone assurance process – and delegated authority to the executive director of investment and delivery, in consultation with the executive director of resources and monitoring officer.

A report to the Combined Authority said: “Project Violet phase two is a proposed development at the Sci-Tech Daresbury Innovation Park in Halton, forming part of the wider Violet phase two scheme which secured approval from the Combined Authority in June 2024 as one of seven initial innovation zone projects.

“The initial 2024 strategic outline case for Violet phase two proposed two buildings: one designated primarily as a laboratory facility and the other as Grade A office space, collectively intended to accommodate occupiers which would create highly skilled job roles for the region.

“As the project progressed through the assurance process, construction costs and inflationary pressures increased, driven by global economic conditions, which meant the scheme had to be adjusted to fit within the allocated budget. This was achieved by changing the project to a single laboratory facility building (“UV1”) only.

“The full business case for UV1 was endorsed by SIF Internal Investment Panel on 2 October 2025 and the grant funding agreement is currently being finalised.

"Whilst the full business case for UV1 evidenced the benefit in terms of economic growth and job creation a single building would deliver, it was recognised that delivery of both buildings would provide a more flexible accommodation offer for targeted occupiers, creating further significant growth potential in the life sciences sector.

A proposal has therefore been developed to allocate additional innovation zone funding to the project to enable the second building (“UV2”) to be reintroduced.

“The proposed UV2 facility will comprise approximately 22,712 sqft of flexible space designed to attract both new and existing tenants from the campus. It builds on the success of Violet phase one, which delivered 43,000 sqft of Grade A office space in 2022, and is nearing full capacity in terms of occupancy levels.

“The scheme aligns with the Liverpool City Region’s ambition to become a thriving life sciences innovation cluster and addresses a known shortage of suitable space within the region for life sciences occupiers.

“The Strategic Investment Panel was consulted on the proposal on 23 July 2025 and endorsed the proposal, subject to the availability of additional funding and progressing through the innovation zone assurance process to develop a full business case and secure final approval.

“Financial funding has been provisionally allocated through the innovation zone programme, pending further appraisal and cost validation.

"While detailed financial data is still forthcoming, an indicative estimate of £7.5m has been identified as the potential viability gap. This will be confirmed in the full business case, which will be provided for consideration by the Internal Investment Panel.”