Liverpool’s CUC comes to market
Surveyors Mason Owen have been appointed by national charity People Can, formerly Novas Scarman, to sell the 170,000 sq ft Contemporary Urban Centre on Parliament Street.
The Grade 2-listed renovated Victorian warehouse in the Baltic Triangle district was acquired and extensively refurbished by Novas in 2000 from previous owner, stationery company Shawcross & Dickinson.
Novas opened the CUC in spring 2008 following a £17m refurbishment funded partly from public grants. The building, which closed in January, comprises a basement, ground and five upper floors over approximately 170,000 sq ft and includes substantial office accommodation, conference facilities, various bars and restaurants, a 120-seat cinema and a 430-capacity music venue/comedy club.
The property is being sold with full vacant possession and has been improved by an extensive refurbishment programme in recent years including the installation of a new roof and the replacement of all the windows and mechanical and electrical equipment.
"This is a significant and distinctive building which is being sold within the creative quarter of the city and we are confident that it will generate good levels of interest," said Andrew Owen, director Mason Owen.
No guide price was given.
Hope it reopens sooner rather than later. Its gorgeous inside, with a great ambience too
By Chris
I will be very interested to see how much money Novas Scarman make out of this seeing as most of the money to purchase and upgrade the building came out of the public pocket. In these hard times i wonder if we will get any back.
By Mr Wake
I really hope this building and the area i which its situated gets the usage it deserves. Had some lovely times and seen some brilliant exhibitions at the CUC. A great place to escape to…
By Baxter Front
I wonder if Liverpool City Council has a view over this sale and for the public money poured into the repair and design of the building? It’s a big sad loss.
By John Davies
The public money invested should be reclaimed from sale. When public money is invested in such circumstances they should put a charge on the building so that when it is sold the money will be refunded(if money is there to be had).
By Michael Marley