Smith Brothers Stores moves across the Mersey

The national HVAC merchant has signed for a 21,000 sq ft former HSS unit off Liverpool’s Derby Road, relocating from 15,500 sq ft in Birkenhead.

Legat Owen secured new tenant SBS for the Liverpool trade counter site, with the firm agreeing a 10-year lease. The move followed an extensive search for larger premises to better serve its customer base, SBS said. The firm is now in place in its new home.

David Bryson, financial director of SBS, said: “This relocation marks an important step in the continued growth of Smith Brothers Stores. The new Liverpool premises give us the additional space we need to expand our stock range, improve availability and provide a better overall service to our customers through an enhanced trade counter facility.”

The refurbishment of the premises was managed by Jon Hardie of Legat Owen’s building surveying team, delivered in time to meet the heating, ventilation and air conditioning supplier’s operational needs prior to occupation. The landlord is a private family property company.

Mark Diaper, director at Legat Owen, said: “We had very strong interest in the unit from a variety of users with the quality of the Smith Brothers Stores brand suiting the landlord’s vision for the premises.

“This letting reflects both the great location of the property and SBS’s strong growth and increased customer demand.

“Working closely with the occupier and our Building Surveying team, we were able to deliver a solution that supports the business’s expansion while securing a long-term commitment to the property.”

Following the relocation, Legat Owen has been retained as agent for the letting of SBS’s former premises at Turbine.6, Birkenhead, which will be available from this summer.

The property comprises a modern trade counter/industrial unit extending to 15,593 sq ft, located on Turbine Road fronting the A41 New Chester Road. The building is capable of subdivision.