Forever 21 agrees pre-let with Royal London

Royal London Asset Management has submitted a planning application to build a new 46,000 sq ft store for the US fashion retailer in Liverpool city centre.

Pending approval, the building on the corner of Whitechapel and Church Street in the retail core will be demolished and a new five-storey building.

US-founded Forever 21 has 480 stores worldwide but currently only one branch in the UK, which opened earlier this year in Birmingham. The retailer has plans to open further stores in London and Glasgow.

Designed by Architects DLG in conjunction with Forever 21's in-house architects based in San Francisco, Liverpool store could be open for trading by November next year if planning permission is granted in July and vacant possession achieved by September.

Tenants in the existing building include Pavers Shoes, Thorntons and Clinton Cards and Shu Story. All have been served notice to vacate by Royal London.

Larry Meyer, executive vice president of Forever 21, said: "This location in Liverpool is another strong step in our expansion within the UK and Europe. We are extremely excited to have found a great store space in a location where our customers will appreciate our brand. The size of this store will allow us to offer a great range of products at great value to fashion conscious and trend driven shoppers in the area."

Gardiner & Theobald and Turley Associates advise Royal London. Harper Dennis Hobbs advises Forever 21.