Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has reported £510 million in committed investment across its Innovation Zone programme, alongside international recognition for the initiative at the Global Free Zones of the Year Awards 2026.
The programme received both the Global and European Rising Stars awards. It brings together the Liverpool City Region Freeport and Life Sciences Investment Zone, coordinating investment activity across advanced manufacturing, logistics, health and life sciences.
According to the Combined Authority, the programme is supported by £185 million in government funding over ten years and is expected to generate more than £1.6 billion in investment. More than 16,000 jobs are forecast, while £257 million in goods has been handled through participating Freeport customs sites.
Projects highlighted by the authority include Finsa's £20 million logistics headquarters in Birkenhead and the £20 million Liverpool Accelerate Laboratory, developed through the Infection Innovation Consortium.
The reported investment commitments and customs activity relate to the combined Innovation Zone programme rather than the Life Sciences Investment Zone alone. The figures provide a measure of progress since the two initiatives were brought together.