16/6/2009 Refreshing change for Capital atrium

The latest phase in Downing’s £15 million transformation of Liverpool’s largest office building is being unveiled to the public this week.

The property group, in partnership with the new operator, has completed the fit-out of a new-look, 88-seat cafe in the City Exchange atrium of its flagship building, The Capital on Old Hall Street.

North Merseyside-based independent cafe and bar owner Woodwards has been selected as operator for the new commercial district venue, which has been designed to reflect the quality and feel of the wider Capital refurbishment. The Woodwards chain is owned by ex-Everton star, Alan Stubbs and his wife, Mandy.

The new cafe has open plan seating and quiet meeting spaces and serves hot and cold drinks as well as lunch, light refreshments and hot snacks.

Robin Ellis, senior agency surveyor at Downing, said: “The range and size of the Capital’s facilities are what sets it apart from other commercial properties. Woodwards is a great addition, providing added value for our tenants and another valuable social and meeting space for the business district.

“We’ve been heavily involved in the seating design and layout- space is a luxury we wanted customers to enjoy and the standard of design and comfort is unmatched in Liverpool.”

Paul Garton, managing director of Woodwards, said: “We wanted the cafe to be attractive both to tenants of the building and those who are working in and visiting the commercial district.

“We’ve have built our brand around excellent staff and quality service and believe that Woodwards cafe is a perfect fit for the Capital building.”

In December Downing completed a deal to bring retail giant Tesco to the Capital. The 4,000 sq ft Tesco Express store, fronting Old Hall Street, is currently being fitted out and is due to open over the summer.

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 Woodwards cafe will be open from 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday. The cafe is the third addition to the Woodwards chain, joining existing branches in Formby and Birkdale.