19/12/2008 Downing signs Tesco for Liverpool's Commercial District

Property group Downing has completed a deal to bring retail giant Tesco to the heart of Liverpool’s commercial district.

Tesco Stores Ltd has signed leases to occupy a newly created 4,000 sq ft unit in the atrium of The Capital, Liverpool’s largest office building.

The new store will front onto Old Hall Street and will be operated under the Tesco Express brand.

Downing has also unveiled the new-look 80-seat café which will become the focal point of the building’s atrium when it opens early in 2009. The company is in advanced talks with an operator for the new café, which has been designed to reflect the quality and feel of the wider Capital refurbishment.

Robin Ellis, senior agency surveyor at Downing, said: “Attracting a retailer of Tesco’s pedigree is another significant milestone in the transformation of The Capital into a cosmopolitan business centre.

“The building’s atrium is already a popular meeting place and the new cafe will build on this with a first class operation, run by an operator that shares Downing’s passion for quality.

“The Capital’s facilities are what sets it apart from other commercial properties. The new lifestyle features will benefit tenants with high quality amenities on their doorstep, whilst contributing to the wider appeal of Liverpool’s commercial district.”

Downing has been advancing Liverpool’s largest Grade A-equivalent refurbishment scheme at The Capital since acquiring the building in 2006.

The £10 million project is delivering new high quality office space alongside additional business and lifestyle facilities.

The new Tesco Express is due to open its doors in mid 2009.