AHR Architects has been selected to design a new £35 million building for the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) in Liverpool.

The firm has been chosen by Morgan Sindall will draw up proposals for the Northern Centre of Excellence in Liverpool's Knowledge Quarter development.

The 70,000 sq ft modern facility will feature a simple orthogonal grid to divide the area and ensure that spaces can be organised and reconfigured to suit the evolving needs of all building users.

The development will be built in the heart of Paddington Village, a 30-acre site off Smithtown Lane which will be developed into three plots; Paddington North, Paddington Central and Paddington South.

Morgan Sindall will carry out two distinct projects on the central plot. The first phase of work, worth around £12m, is due to start on site this summer. Work includes the installation of infrastructure, creation of public realm across the predominantly brownfield site and the creation of development plots to make them market-ready. Pre-construction has already started, with the building due to handover in late 2019.

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Barry Roberts, Morgan Sindall area director in the North West, said: "We're delighted to announce AHR's appointment to this iconic scheme which will provide a new home for the RCP in the North West.

"Their highly sustainable, innovative design will deliver an iconic building, inspired by well-being. RCP headquarters will sit at the heart of Liverpool's Knowledge Quarter, and will provide an outstanding environment where academia, and research will play a key role in driving forward business and innovation."

Dominic Manfredi, AHR Director, said: "We are honoured to have been awarded this very prestigious project, and look forward to working with the RCP to create a landmark building that can help to deliver their future vision for the college.

"Our design aims to capture the people-focused vision of the RCP, incorporating features that directly relate to positive well-being and health. We are particularly excited about the structural timber frame which captures the spirit of innovation within the whole project."

(LM)