Revamp of Liverpool’s Exchange Court approved
Bruntwood will commence refurbishing the grade two-listed building later this month, creating 12,500 sq ft of offices, a fitness studio, and a hospitality venue in the process.
Exchange Court was built in 1856 as the headquarters for Liverpool and London Globe Insurance. In more recent years the Dale Street building was the home of the Royal Bank of Scotland, which occupied half of the building before leaving in 2022.
Bruntwood acquired the site in 2007 and is now ready to give its lower floors a makeover, having secured planning permission from Liverpool City Council in March. The developer had renovated floors two and three of the 62,000 sq ft building in 2020.
As part of this latest project, the developer has promised to retain the historic building’s exterior, as well as several heritage features including stone carvings, iron balconettes, and a marble fireplace.
Bruntwood’s vision consists of nine modern workspaces across the ground and first floors. These will be fully fitted out and range from between 970 sq ft and 2,500 sq ft. There will also be communal areas between the office suites.
The basement of the building is set to hold a fitness studio, showers, bike storage, and changing room.
Bruntwood is also shopping for an operator for a food and beverage hotspot in the building’s former banking hall.
Renovation work is set to complete this autumn.
Andrew Butterworth, commercial director at Bruntwood, spoke about the developer’s approach to Exchange Court.
“Harnessing the building’s heritage and history has been a key focus in creating a fit for future workspace where people can come together and flourish,” he said.
“We’re dedicated to delivering inspirational, flexible workspaces for customers of all sizes, from SMEs to large businesses, that are focused on creating a perfect blend between work and wellbeing.”
Deloitte is the planner for the scheme, with the project team including Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture, Cubic Works, DW Consulting, Bespoke Fire Design, and Vectos.
You can learn more about Bruntwood’s approved plans by searching application reference numbers 23L/2945 and 23F/2946 on Liverpool City Council’s planning portal.
This is positive news for the office sector and the Dale St area , meanwhile at the Tunnel end the old Magistrates Court is to be converted into a stylish hotel if plans are approved. I would be more than pleased if Bruntwood could get hold of the Lyceum building at the bottom of Bold St as the current owners don’t seem to be that enthused about fulfilling it’s potential, it’s a marvellous structure but is mainly vacant except for the new golf and leisure venue that opened recently.
By Anonymous