Grosvenor appoints director of Liverpool One

Chris Jukes will take over the role from Alison Clegg, who is retiring after 15 years as the leader of the retail destination.

As director of Liverpool One, Jukes will work with estate director Iain Finlayson and place strategic director Donna Howitt.

Jukes joined Grosvenor in 2005 and is currently the finance director for Grosvenor’s development and investment team. He will begin his new role as director of Liverpool One on 1 December and will work alongside Clegg until she retires in March 2023.

Clegg has been part of Liverpool One since its opening, joining Grosvenor in March 2007 and taking over the top spot at Liverpool One the following May.

“Liverpool One is a very special place, made even more so by the privilege of working alongside so many great people, the public who have made it their own, and our partners in the city,” Clegg said.

She continued: “I shall leave with huge pride in what we have achieved, some sadness, but with great confidence in Chris and his ability to take Liverpool One on the next stage of its journey.”

Jukes shared his optimism for Liverpool One’s future.

“Whilst the retail sector faces many challenges, well-managed and curated destinations will continue to perform,” Jukes said.

“With Eurovision coming to Liverpool next year, as well as our own milestone, it is set to be an exciting time for the UK’s most sociable city.”

There is a reason for Jukes’s positive attitude. Grosvenor reports that sales at the 1.65m sq ft retail and leisure destination are up 20.9% year-to-date compared to 2019. Attracting around 29m visitors each year, Liverpool One is a dominant force in the city’s shopping scene.

Rachel Dickie, executive director of investment at Grosvenor Property, described the role Liverpool One has played in the area.

“An early example of levelling-up, Liverpool One is a testament to how a long-term approach to regeneration can revitalise city centres, drive employment and support wider economic growth,” Dickie said.

“Since 2008, through sensitive stewardship it has successfully integrated into the wider city centre whilst retaining its unique sense of place.”

She continued: “As Liverpool One approaches its 15th anniversary, we’re incredibly grateful for everything Alison has accomplished during her tenure and wish her all the best. We’re fortunate to have someone with Chris’s experience in place to take Liverpool One through an exciting year in Liverpool and to the next chapter.”