Peel director Lindsey Ashworth said the idea for the centre came from the 2010 Shanghai Expo, where the UK was represented by Liverpool and Peel acted as a sponsor.

BBC: Wirral Waters

Universities UK, which represents all UK universities, said it was difficult to compare international education systems - but other more established compilers of world rankings such as Times Higher, QS and Shanghai Jiaotong consistently rated the UK as second behind the United States.

BBC: Higher education ranking: UK '10th best'

It will also include the 55-storey Shanghai Tower, which will be the tallest UK building outside London.

BBC: Liverpool Waters development plans submitted

Peter Johansen, vice president of Geely UK's black cab operation, said that the Coventry factory would be supplying vehicles for the UK while others will be made in the sister factory in Shanghai for the left-hand drive market.

BBC: England