1/9/2008 Full house for Downing in the Cultural Quarter

Liverpool''s largest commercial landlord, Downing, has announced that another of its properties is fully let, following an agreement with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

The Phil has signed leases to occupy a newly-refurbished 874 sq ft suite in the property group''s Federation House on Hope Street, adjacent to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. The building will accommodate some of the Phil''s management and administration teams.

The deal follows restaurant chain Ego renewing its lease to operate from the ground floor of Federation House for a further twenty years.

The refurbishment of Federation House is part of a £40 million investment programme Downing is progressing across its 1 million sq ft Liverpool portfolio.

Peter Keppie, Commercial Surveyor at Downing, said: "We''re proud to welcome one of Liverpool''s premier cultural organisations to the Downing portfolio. Our commercial properties have performed excellently over 2008 and the fact that Federation House is fully let is further proof of the power of high quality refurbishments to attract prestigious tenants."

Sue Harrison, the Phil''s Interim Chief Executive said: "We are pleased to have found a solution to our space requirements so close to Philharmonic Hall, which provides our staff with good quality office accommodation, and minimum disruption to the delivery of our extensive programme of concerts and events, and learning and engagement activities."

Downing is Liverpool''s largest private commercial landlord and owns some of the city''s most iconic buildings including the Grade II Listed Port of Liverpool Building and The Capital - Liverpool''s largest office building.