Peel L&P has formally submitted a planning application to Wirral Council to build a £25M world-class maritime centre of excellence focused on innovation, engineering, R&D, entrepreneurship and training within the heart of Wirral Waters.
The proposed Maritime Knowledge Hub will be an architectural landmark providing a high-level industrial and maritime facility, supporting the region’s £5bn maritime ecosystem where research and innovation will focus on making the most of the incredible opportunities decarbonisation of the global maritime sector brings. The plans also include business accelerator space and conference facilities for both the marine sector and business community.
Designed by acclaimed architects Ellis Williams Architects, the Maritime Knowledge Hub is set to be one of the most important parts of the entire Wirral Waters regeneration project, which will drive economic growth and job creation to the Liverpool City Region and beyond. Set within the existing 19th century Hydraulic Tower building and Engine House, originally designed by Jesse Hartley’s son, John Bernard Hartley, as a copy of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, the Maritime Knowledge Hub project will breathe new life into the building.
The architects have retained as much of the building’s original character as possible, complementing the historical tower with the creation of a new four-storey extension to accommodate some of the country’s most famous and innovative maritime organisations. The preservation and protection of the grade 2 listed structure has been integral to the design. The facility will be industry-led and will drive research and innovation by bringing education, businesses and Government together within the UK’s maritime sector.
