A NEW £4m reception and networking area at Liverpool Innovation Park (LIP) is a huge boost for the city region’s knowledge economy, it has been claimed.

The scheme, officially opened last week, provides a business gateway to the prominent Edge Lane site and a 5,000 sq ft wifi-enabled networking facility.

LIP operator Space North West contributed £2.5m to the project, with the European Regional Development Fund chipping in with £1.42m.

LIP, which includes Wavertree Technology Park, is operated by Space North West, a joint venture between Ashtenne Industrial Fund and the NWDA.

At the launch, Sarah Lindsay, regional director of Ashtenne, said: “By providing the vibrant business environment, accommodation and amenities modern business occupiers seek, we can retain home-grown talent and economic growth, and this growing cluster in turn becomes increasingly attractive to other knowledge industries outside of the region considering relocation or expansion.”

Two ground-floor office suites, comprised of 5,500 sq ft and 9,500 sq ft, have been created adjacent to the reception, and are now available for rent.

Also at the launch was Max Steinberg, chief executive of Liverpool Vision.

He said: “Liverpool Vision is tasked with keeping the momentum going, looking increasingly overseas to forge stronger relationships in existing and emerging markets, and I am determined that Liverpool will become even better known as an international knowledge centre.”