Harvey Nichols confirms Liverpool One deal

The privately owned department store group has chosen the 1.6m sq ft shopping district for one of its new format shops.

Harvey Nichols will occupy the two-storey 22,000 sq ft former Habitat unit at the end of Peter's Lane. The store is rumoured to be using the group's new Beauty Bazaar concept aimed at tapping into one of the more resilient areas of its rerange during the downturn. Further details will be released in spring 2012, Harvey Nichols said in a statement. The store will open in autumn 2012.

Miles Dunnett, head of asset management for the Grosvenor Liverpool Fund, said: "There is no better testament to the success of Liverpool One, and indeed Liverpool, than Harvey Nichols' decision to choose it for this new-format store.

"This is the crowning glory of a very successful year for Liverpool One. Footfall for 2011 was up by more than 5% compared to 2010, and sales have increased by over 10% for the year. According to a report by independent research firm, Javelin, more people than ever before from across the North West are visiting Liverpool One as their first choice shopping destination, increasing the total catchment by 27% on the previous year."

Joseph Wan, chief executive of Harvey Nichols, said: "Liverpool One is the number one shopping destination at the heart of this great city. Liverpool One serves a large catchment area, with a loyal and discerning customer, and there is no better place from which to launch this exciting new concept."

Harvey Nichols had a pop-up Harvey Nichols Foodmarket in Liverpool One from September to January.

Cushman & Wakefield and Tushingham Moore are letting agents for Liverpool One.