Drone Major Group has launched the first-ever drone technology ‘test and development area’ project, to be created in the Liverpool City Region
The project is to be delivered in partnership with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) and is expected to put the region on the path to become a global leader in the deployment of cutting-edge drone technology.
The transformational project promises numerous benefits to the City Region, creating new investment and economic growth, employment, skills, education and a cleaner environment.
A roadmap has been created for this unique project which identifies key themes, outlining a clear pathway to develop operational drone capabilities to be delivered in the fields of urban logistics, the environment, security, maritime logistics, port & maritime, and the wider community.
All projects within the newly established Phoenix programme, which currently comprises 10 new initiatives addressing these sectors across the UK, will share a common operational model and advanced data analysis to ensure that progress accelerates exponentially.
This commercially accelerating approach is set to stimulate Liverpool City Region’s inward investment opportunities while enhancing the region’s global recognition as a hub for cutting-edge technological innovation.
This is a particularly pivotal time for the City Region, with the Combined Authority’s emerging Climate Action Plan crystallising its decarbonisation agenda, together with the grant of Freeport status for Liverpool City Region announced by the chancellor in his budget speech on 3 March 2021.
The Liverpool City Region benefits from some of the country’s most outstanding digital infrastructure, academic knowledge and individual experts who will be integral to realising the potential of autonomous drone systems in the UK. Such as the University of Liverpool’s Centre for Autonomous Systems Technology (CAST), Liverpool Institute for Sustainable Coasts and Oceans (LISCO) and Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC), and the drone research group at Liverpool John Moores University.
Setting an example
Robert Garbett, founder of Drone Major Group, said: “Drones represent an unprecedented growth opportunity across a huge number of global industries.
“Liverpool City Region has clearly demonstrated its commendable intent to adopt a sustainable and commercially viable drone technology system for the City, ahead of the curve, which sets an example to all.”
Phoenix I stakeholders
Phoenix I is the first in a series of interconnected projects developed by Drone Major Group, with several regional partners.
LCRCA has played an instrumental convening role working with Drone Major Group to facilitate the active involvement of many of the region’s most vital stakeholders in the delivery of the project.
Stakeholders include Peel Ports Group, LogisticsUK, SP Energy Networks, Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University.
