A NEW letting at the waterfront Port of Liverpool building takes the total lettings there for the year to more than 20,000 sq ft.
Owner Downing said independent actuaries and consultants Barnett Waddingham have taken a 7,920 sq ft refurbished suite as a result of their need for a larger Liverpool office.
The deal follows blue-chip firms DHL Global Forwarding and Hapag-Lloyd signing leases earlier this year, and signals that 20,000 sq ft of refurbished space has been let in the building during the first half of 2008.
The lettings are an indication that despite the vastly improved quality of refurbished and new space on offer in the central business district, waterfront offices remain a major draw for occupiers.
Robin Ellis, senior agency surveyor at Downing, said: “This letting makes the Port of Liverpool Building one of the city’s best performing commercial properties this year. We are thrilled to welcome another prestigious tenant on board.
“We’re expecting the building to continue to impress prospective occupiers, with refurbished suites of 6,000 and 3,000 sq ft now available and further refurbishments in the pipeline.”
Downing is investing £10m to restore the Port of Liverpool Building to its former glory, including restoration and cleaning of external facades.
Work has now been completed and scaffolding removed along the river frontage of the building.
ŠThe offices themselves are also undergoing a rolling refurbishment programme to provide open-plan suites that meet the needs of modern occupiers, while complementing the architectural integrity of the building. Barnett Waddingham employs over 400 partners and staff in seven offices throughout the UK. The firm currently occupies offices in the neighbouring Cunard Building.
Adam Walker, partner at the firm, said: “The quality of Downing’s refurbishment combined with the building’s stunning architecture made the Port of Liverpool Building a compelling offer. More than 20 staff will make the move to the new suite when our fit-out is completed in July.”
tonymcdonough
