Planning approval has been received for the new Digital Innovation Facility*.
The new 1,530m2 facility will be located on the site of the Jones & Muspratt Buildings on Dover Street, directly opposite the Waterhouse Buildings, on the north side of the campus.
Bringing together complementary areas of research in computer science, robotics, and engineering, the Digital Innovation Facility will be a centre of excellence in autonomous systems, distributed simulation and immersive visualisation to enable collaborative R&D and support businesses linked to the exploitation of digital technologies.
The University proposes to commence enabling works on the site in January 2019 with completion of the facility scheduled for November 2020.
Professor Wiebe Van Der Hoek, Interim Executive Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Science and Engineering, said: “We are delighted the plans for the Digital innovation Facility have been approved. This exciting new facility will be important to support our collaborative work in the area of digital technologies and to explore opportunities and foster partnerships.”
The Single Investment Fund is providing £5million funding to support the facility which will focus on three particular priority sectors for the Liverpool City Region: advanced manufacturing and engineering, low carbon energy, and digital industries, as well as other significant growth sectors including health.
Through collaboration between business and academia, the DIF is forecast to create approximately 400 jobs over a ten-year period, while boosting the city region economy by £44.5 million.
The Digital Innovation Facility is a key addition to the science and technology facilities in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, and an integral part of ambitious plans to deliver new workspace and lab developments as Liverpool consolidates its position as a world class innovation district.
*The Digital Innovation Facility has previously been referred to as the Digital Innovation Factory.