Long-awaited Liverpool offices inch forward
Kier Property, the city council’s partner on One Pall Mall Gardens, has reworked amenity spaces and moved to the final design stage, declaring renewed momentum on the scheme.
Kier said that moving to RIBA Stage 4 marks “a significant step” in bringing forward the first phase of the Pall Mall development, seen by many as a symbol of Liverpool falling behind rival cities in its ability to deliver grade A offices.
Liverpool City Council, cognisant of that lack of delivery, agreed last year to provide a £15m grant to kickstart development, also agreeing a rent guarantee scheme.
One Pall Mall Gardens is inked in to bring 111,000 sq ft of grade A office accommodation alongside ground floor retail.
As part of the Stage 3 design refresh, One Pall Mall Gardens has been redesigned to meet changing occupier demands, and now includes significant ground floor amenity, including flexible work areas, a business lounge, meeting rooms and leisure facilities.
A communal roof terrace is also part of the redesign. This will sit at level eight, providing a flexible indoor/outdoor space that enhances the offer for future occupiers.
The intention is for One Pall Mall Gardens to be Net Zero Carbon-enabled.
Located behind the former Exchange Station, the wider Pall Mall masterplan has long been an aspiration for Liverpool, but has failed to advance beyond the drawing board, save for some groundworks.
Over its phased delivery, the scheme is intended to provide up to 400,000 sq ft of offices, supported by retail and leisure.
Kier and partner CTP were appointed to take the three-acre scheme forward in 2017, but in 2022 had to take action to lock in the consent granted in 2019.
Mark Robinson, Kier Property’s senior development director, said: “Moving One Pall Mall Gardens into RIBA Stage 4 is a significant milestone and a clear signal of renewed momentum for this important scheme.
“As the first new-build grade A office development in Liverpool for over 15 years, Pall Mall will deliver net zero carbon enabled workspace that supports occupiers while acting as a catalyst for the continued growth and regeneration of the city centre in partnership with Liverpool City Council.”
Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for growth and economy at Liverpool City Council said: “The progress at Pall Mall Gardens demonstrates our commitment to creating a city centre that works for modern businesses and supports long-term economic growth.
“By investing in high quality, sustainable office space, we are strengthening Liverpool’s commercial offer and creating the conditions that more companies look for when deciding where to invest, locate and grow.
“This development is a key part of our ambition to build a competitive, future focused city that attracts new employers, creates high value jobs and delivers lasting benefits for residents.”
