Colin Sinclair, CEO of Sciontec Developments Limited and Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, reflects on why he chose LCR Connect, the gigabit-capable fibre network that is 50% owned by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, for Sciontec’s newly launched CENTRAL TECH. 

CENTRAL TECH is the latest innovation hub to be added to the Sciontec portfolio, and I’m delighted that the building opened at over 50% occupancy, with customers being attracted to its ideal location within the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) innovation district, so close to Lime Street and Central stations. 

We wanted CENTRAL TECH to not only be the best connected tech hub in terms of transport links, but also to be known for unrivalled digital connectivity and internet infrastructure, which is one of the main reasons why we signed up to LCR Connect.  

Central Tech, Knowledge Quarter Liverpool

LCR Connect gives our customers access to a full-fibre, ultrafast network, which delivers some of the fastest internet speeds around. By providing this faster and more competitive broadband solution within the building, we can better support the small and medium-sized organisations based at CENTRAL TECH to develop their cutting edge software, IoT-enabled robotic devices and AI solutions. 

Another positive for us was the speed at which LCR Connect could be installed. We set ourselves a tight deadline to open CENTRAL TECH after the official transfer of ownership to Sciontec, and the pace at which the network infrastructure was implemented aligned with our rapid transformation of the building as a whole, nearly three months ahead of schedule.  

With CENTRAL TECH now open and fully operational, within just 65 days, the building is providing much needed lab, office and coworking space for a range of innovative digital, tech and engineering focused businesses, who are in turn creating new jobs and adding value to the local economy. 

As a key stakeholder within the Liverpool city region, I also wanted Sciontec to actively contribute to the expansion of the LCR Connect network, which now scales 345km  across the six boroughs. Thanks to the continuing LCR Connect rollout, the Liverpool city region is now the most digitally connected area in the country, and is part of the leading Faster Britain full fibre network. 

Colin Sinclair pictured in Liverpool City centre. Image by Gareth Jones

Reducing the digital divide is also an important element of our wider KQ Liverpool objectives. Our new 2040 Vision sets out a blueprint for growth by creating a place that is both inclusive and inspirational for generations to come, and this can only be achieved through long-term partnerships, such as this one with LCR Connect. 

Going forwards, myself and the Sciontec team are confident that using the LCR Connect network will provide a resilient and future-proof service at CENTRAL TECH, which will act as a gateway for building occupiers to access next-generation, cloud-enabled technologies. In turn, this will enable our customers to operate efficiently, innovate creatively and scale at pace, creating a thriving business ecosystem which will subsequently benefit the entire city region economy. 

Inside Central Tech, Knowledge Quarter Liverpool