11/1/2009 Port of Liverpool Building restored to former glory

The wraps have come off one of Liverpool’s most historic commercial buildings, following a comprehensive £10 million restoration project.

Downing, the city’s largest private commercial landlord, has completed the restoration of the Grade II* Listed Port of Liverpool Building and is on target to bring more than 20,000 sq ft of newly refurbished office suites to the market during 2009.

The project, one of the UK’s largest privately-funded refurbishments of a listed building, has been thorough and comprehensive. Works have been undertaken throughout the building, from the lower ground floors all the way to the top – where the iconic dome has been returned to its former glory, with its inner glass and marble cleaned and restored for the first time since the building was damaged in the Blitz.

Downing began work in 2007 to restore the building’s limestone exterior, internal terrazzo flooring and marble wall cladding and to remove, refurbish and reinstate its stunning stained glass windows.

The company has also introduced new lifts, upgraded internal and external lighting, as well providing a new disabled access. Occupiers can also link into a new cooling system, with state-of-the-art technology that allows tenants to opt-in to a centrally-managed system.

Robin Ellis, Senior Agency Surveyor at Downing, commented: “These extensive repair and upgrade works to the building’s fabric and envelope, mean that our valued occupiers can enjoy this magnificent building, safe in the knowledge that it has been future-proofed - giving them valuable confidence and certainty on costs.”

The restoration has taken place in tandem with a rolling refurbishment programme to provide open-plan office suites that meet the needs of modern occupiers, whilst complementing the architectural integrity of the building.

The strength of the refurbished space saw the Port of Liverpool Building become one of Liverpool’s most successful commercial properties in 2008, with some 20,000 sq ft of space let to global brands including DHL and shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd.

George Downing, chairman of Downing, said: “There are few buildings in the UK as iconic as the Port of Liverpool Building. It boasts a level of grace and quality that would be impossible to recreate today.

“When we became proud custodians of the building we made a commitment to restore it to its rightful place as one of Liverpool’s premiere office buildings. The stunning results of the restoration combined with the letting success we have enjoyed in 2008 are proof that we have delivered on this promise.

“We will continue to invest in the building to ensure it thrives in its joint roles as the jewel of Liverpool’s World Heritage Waterfront and one of the city’s most prestigious business addresses.”

Property group Downing acquired the Port of Liverpool Building in 2001. Joint agents Knight Frank and CBRE are currently marketing two refurbished suites of 3,035 sq ft and 6,251 sq ft on the building’s first floor