Acorn Group lines up £10m Atlantic Pavilion revamp

The Formby-headquartered insurance group acquired the 80,000 sq ft building in Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock in January 2025 – now, plans to make it a flagship workspace are in motion.

Acorn’s professional team has now lodged its proposals with Liverpool City Council for internal works at the building, where heritage specialist Donald Insall Associates is working with ADT Workplace.

The group plans to move into the building from early 2027, with 600 to 700 Acorn staff based at the waterfront landmark.

Daniel Keating, Acorn Group chief operating officer, said: “Investing in this iconic landmark represents an exciting milestone for Acorn. We are a growing, ambitious, and dynamic Merseyside-based business.

“As a major employer in the region, it’s vital to provide exceptional office space that supports our people while continuing our strong commitment to this great city we call home.

“By investing in Atlantic Pavilion, we’re embracing the history and character of the space while integrating Acorn’s modern working practices. It’s the perfect environment to inspire our people, nurture Acorn’s unique culture, and drive ongoing success.”

From its 1982 origins in Formby, Acorn has grown into a national firm and important property player in the city region. The business now owns Mersey Chambers and 12 Hanover Street, along with the Lighthouse in Formby. All these locations will continue to be used by the business.

Acorn bought the Atlantic Pavilion early in 2025. The sale price was undisclosed, however the 2022 guide price of £8.4m had been cut to £6.9m by 2023.

ADT Workplace drafted in DIA to advise on the project in October last year as it looked to create a “modern, high-performing workplace environment” while preserving the architectural and historical significance of the setting in what will be Acorn’s flagship location.

The project will see 600+ Acorn employees work at the site. Credit: planning documents

Grade one-listed, Atlantic Pavilion sits on the eastern quayside of the dock complex – its western elevation overlooking the basin, flanked by the Britannia and Edward Pavilions.

The building has four ground floor tenants in Miller & Carter, Madre, Escape Hunt and Revolution. Part of the ground floor, the basement and four upper floors are all covered in the application.

Critical components of the brief were to enhance the arrival and reception experience, modernise MEP, improve staff amenity, bring forward improved flexible meeting space, and deliver open-plan workspace across the upper floors.

A central café/collaboration space was introduced as the plans were developed, with basement gym, shower and wellbeing facilities also added. The first floor is mapped out as the central hub floor, with café, meeting rooms and pods and drop-in work zones, while floors two and three are described as open-plan work floors.

A phased approach is suggested in the design & access statement for the fourth floor is mapped out as a phased approach, expected to take place three to five years from now – suggesting space to grow into – broadly along the same lines as floors two and three.

DIA’s design & access statement said: “These improvements represent a form of sustainable conservation, ensuring that Atlantic Pavilion remains economically viable, environmentally responsible and fit for modern commercial occupation for decades to come.”

Acorn told Place North West that it will sub-let space to existing tenants at the building.

Documents relating to the proposals can be viewed on Liverpool City Council’s planning portal, with the reference 26F/0970. Walker Sime is the project and cost manager for the scheme.