A flagship development scheme that could create up to 10,000 jobs at the former Archbishop Blanch school site has been unveiled by Liverpool’s Mayor Joe Anderson this week.

The proposed 1.8 million sq ft development at Minshull Street on the outskirts of Liverpool City Centre will create a scheme of national and international importance, specialising in cutting-edge life and medical sciences.

The scheme will form a key plank of the Knowledge Quarter Mayoral Development Zone, with Phase One likely to begin on-site in 2017, paving the way for new construction jobs.

The extension of the Knowledge Quarter will bring essential additions to what is fast becoming one of Europe’s leading innovation districts and one of the UKs largest academic and clinical campuses.

Also, in order to meet the needs of local people, commuters, academics, students, patients and hospital visitors, the plans will also include a new rail station with access to the existing underground network and the national high-speed rail network via Lime Street Station.

Announcing the plans, Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson said: “The extension of our Knowledge Quarter is a game-changer in terms of the high-quality jobs we will be able to bring into the city in hi-tech, 21st-century industries

“This landmark scheme provides the basis for Liverpool to now become a national and international destination for investment in life and medical sciences, bringing with it thousands of new, high-skill, high-wage jobs.”