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LIVERPOOL CITY REGION CHESTER MANCHESTER
AUTUMN/WINTER 2012
FREE
MOVE COMMERCIAL The north-west’s guide to property and business
Making over a masterpiece Restoring Central Library AIRPORT UPDATE How expansion work is progressing COMMERCIAL PROPERTY STARS Recognising the region's success
Issue 29
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High Specification Offices To Let at the Heart of Liverpool ONE
Compton House
Two suites available – each of approx 2,200 sqft (204 sqm) Specification includes: Private kitchen and WCs, comfort cooling, aluminium perimeter trunking, LG7 lighting, passenger lift, CCTV security
18 School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BT
Russell Building 8 School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BT
ANDREW OWEN andrew.owen@masonowen.com 2
MOVE COMMERCIAL
TONY REED tonyreed@keppiemassie.com
Whole floors available from 1,383 sqft (128 sqm) to 3,239 sqft Specification includes: 100mm raised floors, LG7 lighting, two passenger lifts, high quality reception, CCTV security
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Over 70,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation. Large open oor plates of up to 17,750 sq ft. Part of Central Village retail and leisure development, incorporating Central Station. Available December 2012.
ken.bishop@dtz.com ken.b bishop@dtz.com www.dtz.com w ww.dtz.com 236 9595 +44 (0)161 (
neil.kirkham@cbre.com neil.kirkham@cbre.com www.cbre.co.uk w ww.cbre.co.uk +44 (0)151 224 7666 76 666
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Protect your premises against rising energy costs With the government’s Feed-in Tari (FiT) incentive scheme, you can earn up to 15%*return per year on your investment in a solar PV system, for a guaranteed period of 20 years. For property owners this translates to earning ÂŁ9,335* per year, whilst generating signiďŹ cant free electricity for your premises. BeneďŹ ts to installing solar PV t 3FDFJWF DPNCJOFE DBTI CBDL BOE FMFDUSJDJUZ TBWJOHT PG VQ UP b QFS ZFBS t 1SPUFDU ZPVSTFMG GSPN SJTJOH FMFDUSJDJUZ DPTUT t "MM QBZNFOUT BSF UBY GSFF BOE JOEFY MJOLFE t 3FEVDF ZPVS DBSCPO GPPUQSJOU CZ ,H T QFS ZFBS t (FOFSBUF TJHOJĂś DBOU GSFF FMFDUSJDJUZ GPS ZPVS QSFNJTFT
Contact our technical team for your free no obligation survey on 0151 448 9662 or email info@solenenergyuk.co.uk *Figures are based on a 50Kwp, south facing, roof mounted system using SAP 2005
SELF-CONTAINED OFFICES FOR SALE/TO LET Semmes House, Rumford Court, Liverpool L3 9DG
3,026 SQFT (281 SQM)
Elegant courtyard setting Central business district location With car parking ANDREW OWEN: 0151 242 3120 andrew.owen@masonowen.com
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Issue twenty-nine Move Commercial
Contents News
14
Welcome to Move Commercial It’s been quite a year for the commercial property market. The industry has fought hard to overcome the challenges resulting from the turbulent economy. And with major developments still going ahead and huge deals being reached it seems it is succeeding. In this issue we take a look at how firms can have their successes recognised at the Your Move Property Awards.
Our leisure themed issue also includes interviews with Camp & Furnace’s Miles Falkingham and Liverpool Sound City’s Dave Pichilingi. We find out how the restoration is progressing at Liverpool’s iconic Central Library and we bring you an update on the work taking place at the region’s airports.
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32 move publishing ltd
Advertising Director Fiona Barnet Tel: 0151 709 3871 Account Manager Jo Tait Tel: 0151 709 3871 Editorial Team Christine Toner. Email: christine@movepublishing.co.uk Tel: 0151 709 3871 Kate Hanratty. Email: kate@movepublishing.co.uk Tel: 0151 709 3871
28 Designer Rob Whyte. Email: rob@movepublishing.co.uk Published by Move Publishing Ltd Directors David O’Brien, Kim O’Brien, Fiona Barnet Printed by Precision Colour Printers Ltd Distribution Liaison Manager Barbara Troughton Tel: 0151 733 5492 Mobile: 077148 14662 Credits: Peter Kelly – Entrepreneur
06 DoubleTree by Hilton planned for Liverpool 07 Expert judge for Your Move Property Awards 08 Innov8 appointed to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall refurbishment 09 £500k refit for Liverpool Women’s Hospital 10 GVA advises on sale of iconic Liverpool property 11 Peel buys Lowry Outlet Mall 13 Success for Enterprise Centre 14 Hotel for BBC’s old Oxford Road home 15 Mersey Expo gets government backing
Features
17 Bitesize Thinking Food for thought 18 Airports update A look at the work taking place at the region’s airports 20 Rising Star Matt Kerrigan of Hitchcock Wright & Partners meets Move Commercial 24 Mover & Shaker Camp & Furnace’s Miles Falkingham discusses the venue’s plans 28 Entrepreneur Dave Pichilingi, managing director of Liverpool Sound City, tells Move Commercial about his latest venture 30 Spotlight on success How commercial companies can win big at the Your Move Property Awards 32 Founding Building The restoration of Liverpool’s iconic Central Library 35 Lunch Debate Our experts discuss the Olympic legacy in the North West 38 Ask the Panel Will the government’s relaxation of building rules impact the commercial property market?
Key Events 23 Agents reception for special launch of Mann Island
Appointments
16 Who’s moving where? Copyright Move Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced copied or transmitted in any form or by any means or stored in any information storage or retrieval system without the publishers written permission. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published, Move Publishing can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by advertisers.
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News Latest
Paul Crowley & Co shortlisted for prestigious legal award
Paul Crowley
LIVERPOOL FIRM Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors has been shortlisted for the Law Society Excellence Awards 2012. The firm has been shortlisted for the Lexcel Award for Excellence in Practice Management. This category recognises outstanding work from practices that have received the Lexcel accreditation, which is only awarded to solicitors who meet the highest standards of management and customer care. Judges were looking for practices which have not only attained Lexcel accreditation, but also effectively incorporated its framework into their business strategy. Paul Crowley, senior partner, says: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted for this award, as it is in a very competitive field with other great practices from around the country. Attaining the Lexcel accreditation was a major step for the firm and has changed the way we work.”
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DoubleTree by Hilton unveils plan for Liverpool hotel HILTON WORLDWIDE has signed a franchise agreement with Municipal Annex Ltd to open the first DoubleTree by Hilton in Liverpool. DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool will join the brand’s fast growing portfolio of upscale hotels - which have recently added new properties in locations such as Leeds, Manchester and London. The agreement will see Sanguine Hospitality manage the DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool on behalf of the property’s owner. Rob Palleschi, global head atDoubleTree by Hilton, says:
“DoubleTree by Hilton is looking forward to welcoming this superb hotel to its impressive portfolio in the U.K, which currently features 17 hotels. Liverpool is world renowned for its culture, art and music – we are excited about this new project and look forward to welcoming travellers to Liverpool.” The 87-bedroom upscale and full-service hotel is expected to open in summer 2013
in the city’s former Municipal Annexe on the corner of Sir Thomas and Dale Street. DoubleTree by Hilton Dale Street
Peel’s Bascule Bridge wins Restoration Award
Bascule Bridge Restoration. L-R- John Hinchliffe, Peter de Figerio, Dr. Peter Brown, Ian Pollitt, David Massey
THE PEEL GROUP’S Bascule Bridge in Liverpool has won the Merseyside Refurbishment High Commendation Award at the Merseyside Civic Society (MCS) Awards 2012. At a presentation event at the Bascule Bridge, Ian Pollitt of Peel was presented with the award certificate by Dr. Peter Brown, chairman of Merseyside Civic Society. The award, which is usually given
to buildings, commends the exceptional restoration works undertaken on the bridge including the repairs and replacement of parts which had been subject to natural corrosion, the new roof, and re-instatement of the original colour scheme. The awards panel made special note of the bridge’s role in the setting and spaces of the Stanley Dock Conservation Area and the World Heritage designation and in
particular felt the restoration of the Bascule Bridge was a welcome gesture of intent to safeguard historic features within Peel’s Liverpool Waters scheme. The MCS Awards are intended to raise the awareness of the important role played by high quality architecture, landscape and urban design in enhancing the quality of life and the environment in the Liverpool city region. The programme is designed to encourage higher standards across Merseyside by rewarding outstanding projects which not only employ good design, but also for the way in which they relate to their settings and to the spaces in between. Ian Pollitt says: “We are delighted at receiving this award from the Merseyside Civic Society. Peel has always seen the Bascule Bridge as a key historic landmark and part of the North Docks infrastructure. We have worked hard to ensure the restoration works are in keeping with the heritage of the bridge and are pleased this has been recognised”.
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Latest News
Solar solutions for businesses A LIVERPOOL-BASED energy firm is helping companies to be more cost effective by providing solar solutions. Solen Energy UK is a specialist in the design and delivery of Photovoltaic (PV) installations. PV solar power is a safe, clean and reliable form of energy generation. Based in Liverpool with an office in St. Columb, Cornwall, Solen Energy has a proven expertise in solar solutions, backed by its German parent company, Solen Energy GmbH, which has operations throughout northwest Germany. With government legislation, an emphasis on corporate and social responsibility (CSR) and pressure from stakeholders encouraging more and more companies to find ways of reducing their CO2 emissions, developments in solar technologies has made PV more affordable than ever before. Solen Energy says as the cost of conventional energy continues to rise, the financial benefits of reducing your reliance on the grid, along with the incentive of feed in tariff payments,
Solen Energy's Terry Hughes
makes solar an attractive investment. Solen Energy aims to help firms make the most of that investment. Its designs are tailored to meet individual company requirements and ensure that each system not only
complies with all relevant safety and performance standards, but is also capable of operating at an optimal level. For more information visit www.solenenergyuk.co.uk
Mason Owen to market Myrtle Street LIVERPOOL-BASED property group Downing has appointed Mason Owen to market 5 Myrtle Street – a high quality selfcontained office extending to 7413 sq. ft. in the heart of the city’s
Georgian quarter. The building currently acts as the headquarters of Downing, which intends to relocate and occupy space within one of its other buildings within Liverpool city
Myrtle Street
centre. Located just off Hope Street, the Myrtle Street area is not only a thriving commercial part of the City but is equally popular with restaurateurs and theatre goers. The building is available for sale or to let on terms to be agreed. Andrew Owen, of Mason Owen, says: “This is a rare opportunity to occupy one of the most desirable offices in Liverpool city centre. The property has been fitted out to the highest of standards and provides an excellent opportunity for a company to buy a building for their own occupation with the added advantage of having an attractive investment opportunity on the upper floors.”
Expert judge selected for Your Move Property Awards 2012 LIVERPOOL COMMERCIAL property professional, Eric Wright of Hitchcock Wright & Partners has been selected to sit on the judging panel for the second consecutive year at the Your Move Property Awards 2012. A specialist in retail property since 1970 and a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyor’s (RICS) panel of Independent Experts and Arbitrators, who is often called upon to mediate high profile commercial property disputes, Eric was an ideal candidate to judge the best of the region’s property market. Eric, partner at Hitchcock Wright & Partners, says: “I look forward to working with the judging panel and the team at Your Move on this year’s awards.” “The North West produces a real breadth of residential and commercial property and I hope that in applying my Eric knowledge of Wright the market we will recognise and award the finest schemes within Liverpool and beyond”. Eric and business partner Peter Hitchcock established Hitchcock Wright & Partners over 20 years ago on Castle Street and hold an unrivalled reputation throughout Liverpool and the North West as experts in the commercial property market. Kim O’Brien, organiser of the Your Move Property Awards 2012, says: “We are thrilled to have Eric back with us on the judging panel this year. Eric’s impressive credentials, vast experience and his unparalleled knowledge of the North West property market make him a true asset to the awards and we look forward to working with him for the second year running.”
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News Developments
Innov8 appointed to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall refurbishment
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
LEADING MERSEYSIDE construction safety firm Innov8 Safety Solutions has won a competitive tender to supply the multi-million pound refurbishment of the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Innov8 managing director Alan Robson says the Birkenhead based firm is delighted to win the contract to supply Construction Design Management (CDM) services to the high profile project which will see the grade II Art Deco listed building transformed. Alan says: “We will be helping with the up-front planning on the pre-construction phase right through to completion.” Innov8 will be using its expertise of working in occupied sites and working with multiple stakeholders to help manage the CDM requirements in a working environment. “We have a very experienced team working on the refurbishment,” he adds. “This will help us to ensure the construction work causes minimal disruption as the Philharmonic continues its day to day operations.” Alan said the latest deal caps a strong period of growth for Innov8 which is about to complete its fifth full year of trading.
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Backing for 200 acre business park A 200-acre medical business park could be created next to Manchester Airport. A report from specialist consultants SQW has backed plans for MediPark on the controversial Davenport Green site. The report could mean progress for Davenport Green, which has seen a decade of dispute about removing 89 acres from Manchester’s green belt. The dispute ended last November when government planning inspectors approved removing the land from green belt restrictions. The MediPark report has been welcomed by Royal London Asset Management and Trafford council, which says the plan, could mean an internationally-significant health and biotech hub for south Manchester. The SQW report concludes that the full vision for the MediPark could be realised at land to the south of University Hospital South Manchester. The site is owned by the
MediPark Alliance, which includes University Hospital South Manchester, Royal London and Cheshire-based Bluemantle Group. Gareth Dickinson, head of property at Royal London, says: “The MediPark concept offers a great opportunity to attract significant inward investment and has the potential to act as a catalyst for the wider economic regeneration of the area. “The concept, in combination with a
truly outstanding location, offers a real prospect for creating jobs and investment in a very exciting hi-tech sector which would be of great benefit for the economy of Greater Manchester and beyond.” The report says that the hospitalowned sites are considered to have the potential for high- quality development such as research and development uses.
MediPark artists impression
Plans approved for Baltic scheme in Liverpool PROPOSALS FOR a significant development to re-animate a site in Liverpool city centre have been approved. Plans to build a total of 201 apartments, a hotel and commercial building in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle have been given the green light by the city council. Neptune Developments’ £45 million project will see four new buildings on the site. The first will contain 159 serviced apartments and around 125 square metres of leisure/ retail space; the second will house 42 apartments; while outline permission has been granted for the
third and fourth buildings for which proposals include a hotel up to 185 beds, and a building with uses which could include health, leisure, offices or residential units respectively. The Baltic/Cornhill site is on Wapping, opposite the King’s Waterfront and near to the Liverpool ONE retail area. Plans by Windsor Developments to develop the site in 2006 were halted when the developer went into liquidation. Steve Parry, Neptune Developments Managing Director, said: “This is an exciting scheme for us - one which will radically
enhance this particular site with four new buildings and the improved public realm. “We are aiming to make a hugely positive contribution to the overall regeneration of the city centre.” The scheme has been designed by Liverpool architects Falconer Chester Hall and the main contractor for the scheme is Balfour Beatty. The plans also include the completion of the underground car park to create 360 spaces for residents, employees and other visitors, and the creation of a landscaped central plaza.
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Developments News
Liverpool Women’s Hospital reveals £500K reception refit plans
Liverpool Womens Hospital CGI
THE LIVERPOOL Women’s Hospital is planning to transform its main reception area with a £500,000 revamp. The move to refurbish the front-of-house area of Liverpool Women’s Hospital will be the first major refurbishment of the reception area since the hospital was opened in 1995 by Princess Diana. The hospital is consulting on the plans which will see work done on the main reception area, the existing courtyard and the access to the Centre for Women’s Health Research (CWHR) – a facility which will carry out cutting-edge research
such as work to reduce the chance of miscarriage, scheduled to open next year. The revamp will see a transformed, modern reception area, a new entrance for the CWHR accessed through the courtyard, work done on grounds and gardens within the courtyard, new signage, better lighting and improved access to the car park. There will also be a baby memorial garden, based within the courtyard and will be a quiet area where grieving parents can go for reflection. Managers are calling the refit the “Front of House Project”.
The money for the project is coming from its capital (buildings and maintenance) budget, with some of the funding coming from charitable donations. The move to refurbish the front-of-house area of Liverpool Women’s Hospital will be the first major refurbishment of the reception area since the hospital was opened in 1995 by Princess Diana. So far the designs are only ‘initial proposals’ and people are encouraged to have their say on the plans at www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk
Property experts plan Trafford Park's growth EXPERTS ARE working on a new growth strategy for Trafford Park. The Manchester office of surveyors DTZ has been chosen to join Taylor Young, Regeneris and Curtins Consulting to draft a new growth blueprint and planning framework for the area. The work will focus on Trafford Park and the adjoining areas of the Trafford Centre, Pomona, Manchester United FC and MediaCityUK, as well as considering links to adjacent areas including The Quays and Manchester city centre. The area is one of eight new neighbourhood plans being drawn up by businesses in England under the new Localism Act. The aim is to unlock the potential for economic growth. Caroline Baker will lead the DTZ team. Nick Gerrard, director for economic growth at Trafford council,said: “Trafford Park is a critical economic priority for Trafford, Greater Manchester and the north west, and we are confident they will develop a robust and effective framework that will help to unlock growth in Trafford Park.”
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News Sales & Lettings
Hitchcock Wright market Great Howard Street Property
Great Howard Street
LIVERPOOL commercial property agency Hitchcock Wright & Partners has been appointed to market an industrial unit on Great Howard Street, Liverpool, due to the relocation of the business that currently occupies the property. 151 Great Howard Street is a 19,503 sq ft property, comprising of a mainly single storey industrial unit, has been adapted to form a modern showroom, together with administrative offices on two floors, reception area and customer facilities. Currently, the northern end of the building comprises of a vehicle workshop with parts department and store. Externally to the rear of the building there is a substantial yard area and a large car park. Nick Harrop, partner at Hitchcock Wright and Partners, says: “With such a prominent position on a busy commuter route the unit would lend itself to a variety of uses and would be perfect as a showroom or a trade counter and would even suit quasi-retail use, subject to planning. With such a large car park and yard at the rear, customers wouldn’t have to worry about parking”. Hitchcock Wright is the sole agent on the property. Further details are available on application.
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GVA advises on sale of iconic Liverpool property property. Owned by Parr Street Studios Limited, the unique property offers an already readymade business, with two Grammy Awardwinning, fullyequipped recording studios; two award-winning bars and event venues (namely The Attic and Studio 2); 10 offices; a car park; an 18-bedroom ‘hip’ hotel; together with collector items and valuable fixtures and fittings. Among the collector items included in the sale is the piano used to compose and record Coldplay’s ‘Trouble’ track, Parr Street Studios
GVA HAS BEEN appointed to market the iconic Parr Street Studios and Hotel in Liverpool. Located at 33-45 Parr Street in the Ropeworks area of Liverpool, GVA has been instructed to market the 20,000 sqft (1,858 sq meters) freehold
complete with Chris Martin graffiti. Regarded as a piece of musical heritage, the Parr Street Studios and Hotel has seen the likes of Coldplay, Diana Ross, Doves, Elbow, Grace Jones, Moby, Rihanna, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and Stone Roses amongst many others use the facilities to record international hits. Andrew Moore, associate, GVA, said: “To be involved in the sale of Parr Street Studios and Hotel is an exciting opportunity for GVA. Alongside the interesting collectors’ items included in the sale, the purchaser will benefit from an investment income together with an opportunity to run the hotel or lease it out for further investment income, and a piece of Liverpool’s musical heritage in what is an eclectic mix of uses within the property.” GVA is joint agent with Mason Owen on the sale.
Giancarlo Ricci signs for second site in Bold Street ESTABLISHED menswear retailer, Giancarlo Ricci has today completed a deal to take a second site in Liverpool’s Bold Street on a ten-year lease. The 1,500 sq ft retail unit, which is part of Merepark’s portfolio, will add an exclusive designer men’s footwear concept store to the street that has been home to Giancarlo Ricci for 27 years. Law firm Brown Turner Ross Acted for Giancarlo Ricci in the deal. Marc Goodman, managing director of Giancarlo Ricci says: “We are growing our portfolio of designers, keeping in step with the growing needs of our clients. Adding the designer footwear concept, allows us to reclaim the floor space in our existing store, which means that we can add a wider choice of brands for our loyal clients. In addition, we are delighted to be adding a Polo Ralph Lauren ‘shop in shop’ and we look forward to another 27 years of success in Liverpool.” Kevin Ross, head of property at Brown Turner Ross, adds: “Marc
Goodman is a retailer who has a passion for his customers and knowing what they want is key to his success. In such challenging times, it goes to show that it is not all doom and gloom on the high Kevin Ross of Brown Turner Ross and Marc Goodman of Giancarlo Ricci
street, particularly when shops know what their customers want and are able to deliver it. BTR are delighted to act for Giancarlo Ricci and wish them every success with the new concept store.”
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Sales & Lettings News
Venmore market Bootle development LIVERPOOL commercial property agency, Venmore has been appointed to market three retail units in a new development in the recently regenerated area of Bootle on Stanley Road.
The new development, situated in a prominent location on Stanley Road, has been delivered by Keepmoat, the developers in partnership with Sefton Council through their Housing Market
Stanley Road
Renewal Initiative programme and Cosmopolitan Housing Group as the residential end user. The three retail units, which have a total sales area of 5,597 sq ft, are currently in shell format and are complete with security roller shutters. Malcolm Irving, new head of commercial at Venmore, says: “This is an interesting prospect for retailers as the premises are available to let as either a single unit or as three separate units, allowing more flexibility than most retail packages. The landlords, Keepmoat, are willing to give a rent free period or use their development skills to assist in the fitting out of the unit(s), making sure that any retailer can start trading as quickly as possible. “Rental offers will be starting in the region of £10 per sq ft for each of the units which is a great offer for such a new development on one of the main arterial routes of Merseyside.
New letting at Junction 8 Business Park
Junction 8 Business Park
LIVERPOOL COMMERCIAL property agency Hitchcock Wright & Partners has announced a new letting at Junction 8 Business Park in Ellesmere Port to project Men in Sheds, by Age Concern Cheshire. Men in Sheds is a project started by Age UK Cheshire in the autumn of 2008 for older men who feel isolated or are experiencing major life changes. The charity have taken a 1,870 square foot trade counter warehouse
depot on the business park on a tenyear lease at a headline rent of £4.70 per square foot. Other tenants on the business park include Plumb Centre, City Plumbing Supplies, Speedy Lifting, Howdens Joinery, Royal Mail and Newey and Eyre. Landlord for the site, Stephen Elliott from Royal London Asset Management says: “The interest we have received has made for an excellent twelve months for
Junction 8 Business Park. The two recent deals to tenants of the calibre of Screwfix and Age Concern are testament to the quality of the units and ideal location.” Nick Harrop, partner at Hitchcock Wright and Partners, says: “We are delighted that Men in Sheds see this as an ideal location and is perfect for their target audience. We wish the charity the best of luck in their new home.” CBRE are joint agents on the site.
Peel buys Lowry Outlet Mall THE PEEL GROUP has reached an agreement with the Emerson Group for the purchase of the Lowry Outlet Mall at Salford Quays. The deal incorporates the Mall retail and leisure experience, as well as the car park. Peel also owns the neighbouring MediaCityUK development. The Mall consists of more than 300,000 sq. ft. of retail and leisure, with 80 stores, a choice of cafes and restaurants, and a seven-screen Vue cinema. With just over 4.7 million visitors in 2011, the Lowry recently revealed that sales were up 11% year-on-year while footfall has increased by 14%. Occupiers include M & S Outlet for Furniture, Nike Factory Outlet, GAP Outlet and Flannels. John Whittaker, chairman of The Peel Group, says: "We are delighted to have secured a deal with Emerson for the purchase of The Lowry Outlet Mall. This is an important strategic acquisition for us and continues to extend the MediaCityUK community across the Quays from the BBC and ITV as well as the new tenants moving into MediaCityUK. The Mall complements MediaCityUK perfectly and will give us the opportunity to look at the most effective ways of increasing visitor numbers and enhancing the experience for customers". Peter Jones, chairman of The Emerson Group, says: "We wish The Peel Group every success with the Mall. In the years we have owned and managed the scheme we have seen it go from strength to strength and offer a wide and dynamic mixed use offer to the Quays environment. I appreciate the business we have received and thank our loyal customers and tenants who have remained with the scheme through the 10 years the centre has been in our ownership.”
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at
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Junction 31, M6, Preston
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STYLISH NEW OFFICES TO LET Available in suites from 757 sq ft (70.31 sq m) or as a whole up to 20,000 sq ft (1858.06 sq m) • Raised floors
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12 MOVE COMMERCIAL
jonswain@masonpartners.com
mark.worthington@cbre.com
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Commercial News
Success for Enterprise Centre THREE TENANT companies have 'graduated' from the Enterprise Centre at Liverpool Science Park to bigger office space. 25 university graduate businesses have been welcomed to the park’s Enterprise Centre since it launched 18 months ago and now three of these companies have taken the next step and moved from the open plan environment into their own dedicated offices following rapid growth. LSP, in partnership with its owners University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, launched the centre for graduates from any university who set up their own businesses in the science and technology sector. The 24/7 facility provides tenants with professional office space shared with like-minded companies, fostering a supportive environment to grow and develop ideas, plus a registered business
address and dedicated reception at a cost of £18 per week. One graduate enterprise success story Spark Revolutions , founded by three Liverpool graduates has nearly tripled in size since November 2011 following a succession of client wins. Phil Hauser from Spark Revolutions, says: “The team at LSP has been brilliant from start to finish - it has been little things like helping us when we became too big for the Enterprise Centre to supporting and introducing us to other tenants, resulting in collaborations on several projects. The facilities here are great and we can’t fault them on anything.” LSP continues to take applications from all graduate business not just those from Liverpool Higher Education Institutions. For more information contact Vicky Brown at Liverpool Science Park on 0151 705 3400.
NEW TENANTS AT GATEWAY HOUSE Gateway House
TWO NEW companies have signed up for office space at Gateway House in Bromborough. Leading medical technology firm, MSoft eSolutions Limited has taken 2,411 sq. ft. on the first floor, with accountancy practice, Bennett Brooks taking 2,249 sq. ft. Peter McAlister, chairman at MSoft says: “We carefully considered various options when relocating offices and found Gateway House to be ideal to accommodate our needs. The terms agreed with the Landlord were far more competitive to those offered for
similar highgrade office space in the area and both the letting agents and landlord made the whole moving process easy and seamless. We are delighted with our new offices and the services provided by Commercial Estates Group.” Antonia Martin-Wright, manager of Commercial Estates Group, a national property investment and development company who look after the building, says: “We are delighted to welcome these tenants to Gateway House. The building’s flexible office space, local amenities and parking facilities all make it a very attractive offering to occupiers. We have also had interest for a further 22,000 sq. ft. from three firms in various sectors.”
Business boom for St Helens ST. HELENS is bucking the national trend with more developments and businesses emerging, despite the turbulence in the economy. The local economy continues to grow as investment in brownfield sites, offering modern facilities for small to medium enterprises are made, alongside the reinvestments from the borough’s larger employers. In the past six months three of the town’s larger employers have announced investment of over £41m bringing with them new manufacturing processes and new employment opportunities. These are complemented by new developments to accommodate the town’s strong SME base. Pilkington Park is now on the market, and will provide 23 hectares of mixed-use space, with over 17 hectares of that for employment, in plots from 1.5
hectares. The site is well connected to the road network via the East Lancs road, has its own rail link, a substantial power supply, and is only a mile from the town centre. Northern Trust is close to completing phase one of its Gerards Park development, built just half a mile from the town centre on land formerly used as a Council depot. It offers over 30,000 sq ft of industrial space comprising 21 units, interest has been steady with three units already pre-let. Elsewhere close to the town centre a further six new units totalling over 50,000 ft will be ready in the autumn, offering industrial space for larger
SME’s. Hallmark Developments is already in discussions with two potential occupiers and is confident that the remainder will be taken
shortly after completion. For details of all sites and premises in St Helens please contact johnquirk@sthelens.gov.uk
Ravenhead Road Industrial Park
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News Commercial
Start-up offices at Science Park LIVERPOOL SCIENCE PARK (LSP) has launched an office dedicated to start-up businesses in the biomedical sector. The office already has three companies signed up - urology device business, Albert Medical Devices (AMD), nasogastric feeding tube device company, Westco Medical Holdings Limited, and telemedical company, Med ePad. SPARK Impact, as manager of the North West Fund for Biomedical, has so far made 20 investments in innovative Biomedical companies looking for investment to get their products and services to market. Following demand from investees for dedicated, shared office space, LSP’s biomedical office is the latest in a series of moves by the park to position itself as a hotbed for technology start-ups based in Merseyside. All three new tenants have recently received Pathfinder and
follow-on investments from The North West Fund for Biomedical, managed by SPARK Impact. Dr Penny Attridge, senior investment director at SPARK Impact, says: “We have invested in a range of companies with strong potential. Our latest idea for the biomedical cluster office is something SPARK Impact felt would be of great benefit to both the investee companies and Liverpool Science Park. “Giving our investee companies the opportunity to
benefit from inexpensive office space in a supportive environment, close to our fund managers, places them in an excellent position to grow their businesses.”
Hotel for BBC's old Oxford Road home Realty bought the former New Broadcasting House site for around £10m last year. Its plans also include leisure amenities, car parking and a public space for exhibitions, broadcasts and performances. Demolition and clearance work is expected to begin next month, ahead of approval of plans. Shahram Sakhdari, head of developments for Realty Estates,says: “Initial discussions with Manchester council have been extremely positive, and we look forward to working with them and other stakeholders prior to submitting a planning
New plans for former BBC Oxford Road studios
A HOTEL AND LEISURE complex is at the heart of plans for a £200m redevelopment of the former BBC Oxford Road studios. Developers Realty Estates also hope to build a supermarket and student accommodation on the five-and-a-half acre site. Up to 1,000 jobs could be created by the scheme, with an additional 400 construction jobs over a three-year period. 14 MOVE COMMERCIAL
application in due course.” Realty has been working closely with economic development consultancy New Economy and technology and regeneration consultancy Adroit Economics. Dr Alexander Roy, head of research at New Economy, said: “This development could bridge the gap between the learning corridor and financial and professional companies. Manchester’s flourishing media sector will also be able to tap into the corridor’s infrastructure, as well as offering an ideal hub for specialist science industries which will enable more interaction and networking between universities and local businesses.” The BBC was based at the site from 1976 and moved to MediaCity in Salford last year.
The life sciences sector is already a major contributor to Liverpool’s economy, employing over 4,000 people and generating turnover of around £250m a year.
New tenants at Science Park
£2.6M MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE BUILDING A MANCHESTER city centre building which houses the Browns bar and brasserie and law firm Linder Myers is on the market for more than £2.6m. The building, at 1-3 York Street, is Grade II listed and was designed by architect Charles Heathcote as offices in 1902 for the then Parrs Bank. It was bought for £4.6m in 2005 by Sandstone LLP, which was set up by a group of property investors. The building previously housed law firm Rowlands Field Cunningham, which was bought out of administration by Linder Myers in December. The attractive building has a mixed use investment offering a bar / restaurant and upper floors providing offices currently let to Linder Myers. The building, just minutes from Manchester’s Picadilly Gardens, has 10 car parking spaces and produces an annual income of nearly £245,000, of which £135,000 comes from the letting to Mitchells & Butlers, the owner of Browns. Linder Myers is moving shortly to a new base in Spring Gardens.The building is being sold by GVA, with offers starting at £2.6m.
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Commercial News
Mersey expo gets government backing PLANS TO HOLD a month-long UK business ‘expo’ in Liverpool and Wirral have received full support from the Government as part of its drive to rebalance the nation’s economy and boost UK export growth. The International Festival of Business, scheduled for 2014, is set to be the largest event of its kind in the UK since the Millennium Fair of 2000 and the Festival of Britain in 1951. Taking place at sites in Liverpool and Wirral, the festival will exhibit excellence and trade and investment
opportunities in the key sectors of low carbon, port and logistics and knowledge, including life sciences, creative and digital, advanced manufacturing and professional and financial services. Liverpool city region’s higher education institutions will also be involved and a cultural programme will run alongside the festival with major events to attract and to showcase the city region and the wider North of England’s compelling visitor offer. The huge event, set to attract tens of thousands of visitors from
Lord Heseltine
more than 100 countries, is part of the Government’s second phase of City Deals, which was conceived as a key component of the Lord Heseltine/ Sir Terry Leahy review: “Rebalancing Britain – Policy or Slogan.” Organisation of the event will be led by Liverpool City Council, through its economic development company, Liverpool Vision working in partnership with Wirral Borough Council and the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership. It is estimated it will cost up to £15m to stage with funding coming from both the public and private sectors, generating an estimated return on investment of £100m of economic activity. Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, said: “We have held this ambition since returning from World Expo in 2010 and so this is a hugely significant moment in the continuing development of the city and the city region. “We have made great strides in recent years forging new international relationships and trade partnerships, but the challenge is to inspire more businesses to grow, to export and to innovate and to open up new markets, both here and across the country.
‘GO ON WIRRAL’ CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
Cllr Phil Davies
WIRRAL COUNCIL is spearheading an important initiative to bring about a step-change in how people and businesses access IT across the borough. Go ON Wirral aims to increase the numbers of people who are able to access and make use of the web and IT equipment, tackling what campaigners describe as ‘digital exclusion’. According to Wirral Council, an estimated 42,000 Wirral residents have never used the internet. Launching the Go ON Wirral campaign at Tranmere Rovers Football
Club, leader of Wirral Council, councillor Phil Davies, explained: “We know that there is already a lot of activity and effort going on across Wirral in getting residents and businesses online. As part of the national campaign to make getting people online easier, Go ON Wirral will aim to bring all of this activity together so that we can make sure that nobody is left behind in the digital age.” Businesses can find out more by visiting www.wirral.gov.uk/myservices/community-andliving/digital-inclusion and completing the e-survey.
Albert Dock reports growth Albert Dock
ALBERT DOCK Company is reporting a bumper year for 2012, with most of its leisure operators and tourist attractions enjoying increased visitor numbers and spend month on month. The Dock and the Waterfront is bucking the trend, as Albert Dock reports footfall is 4% up on last year and many tenants are enjoying double digit increases in spend across the Dock. Tony Kulp, leasing director of Arrowcroft PLC, parent company of Albert Dock Company, says: “We remain committed to the long term success of Albert Dock and we are delighted with this year’s results so far, in what has to be said is a challenging economy across the UK, Liverpool’s Albert Dock is bucking the trend, with strong growth and a positive outlook for the future.”
MOVE COMMERCIAL 15
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Appointments Associate partner promotion at Keppie Massie Keppie Massie has promoted Phil Winckles to associate partner. Phil, who works within Keppie Massie’s regeneration Phil and strategic Winckles development department, has been with Keppie Massie for five years during which time he has built a strong portfolio of projects. Phil is currently working on the next set of regeneration projects including Muse Development’s Bridge Street Quarter regeneration scheme in Warrington and St Modwen Properties and Liverpool City Council’s Great Homer Street District Centre regeneration scheme. Phil says, “I look forward to this new role within the company, Keppie Massie’s regeneration and strategic development department is the largest specialist team in the North West and testament to this continues to act on some of the most exciting schemes within the region and indeed across the country.”
High speed role for regeneration board member Duncan Sutherland has been appointed as non-executive director to the Board of HS2 Ltd, the independent company set Duncan Sutherland to deliver a high speed rail network between London and the North of England. Duncan Sutherland says, “This is a fantastic opportunity in what is one of the most exciting projects in Europe and essential for the economy of the country and particularly the North West. “I will work to ensure that the regenerative benefits, and opportunities for long term, large scale development, are maximised across the high speed network.” Duncan is also the executive chair of Sigma Inpartnership, a 16 MOVE COMMERCIAL
regeneration company with two joint venture partnerships in the North West including, the Higher Broughton Partnership in Salford and Regeneration Liverpool a partnership set up to assist Liverpool City Council with its ambitious regeneration strategy for the city.
Ask the Expert with Joe Davison of Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors
Kingsley Associates expands
Q A
Beverley Huang, Dean Hawkins, Jacqui Marsh
Kingsley Associates, the property, construction and legal recruitment consultancy, is expanding with three new appointments. Dean Hawkins joins from Scantec as a civil and construction consultant, whilst Jacqui Marsh and Bev Huang join as legal consultant and legal researcher, respectively. Andrew Kingsley, director of the recruitment consultancy, says: “Kingsley Associates has an enviable reputation within the North West recruitment industry and I have no doubt that our latest appointments will help to further serve our new and existing clients, whilst continuing our remarkable growth.”
Retail specialist at Colliers Real estate advisors Colliers International has appointed Heather Blenkinship to the licensed and leisure team in its Heather Manchester Blenkinship office. The graduate surveyor studied at Sheffield Hallam University and focuses on the disposal of licensed premises, valuations and rent reviews and the provision of general advice to clients on public houses, nightclubs and restaurants. She first joined Colliers International in 2008 on a placement from Sheffield Hallam and has also worked with the firm's retail agency team in Leeds.
I have an employee who is under performing and I would like to dismiss him. Am I able to do this?
Yes, but when it comes to dismissing employees for reasons such as poor performance, employers will find that the process is not simply a matter of giving an employee notice of their dismissal. Hence, in order to avoid a potential claim for unfair dismissal, you need to be cautious when it comes to dismissing employees. Firstly, in order for an employee to be eligible to bring a claim for unfair dismissal, it used to be the case that an employee had to have at least 12 months continuous employment. However, since April 2012, this has now changed and new legislation requires the employee to have at least 24 months continuous employment before he is eligible to bring a claim for unfair dismissal. However, this only applies where the employee began employment after April 2012 and not before. Therefore, the consequences are such that employers may dismiss employees during this “probationary period” so to speak, if they have concerns about poor performance, without risking an application to an Employment Tribunal. If however, an employer wishes to dismiss an employee who has been employed for the requisite period, then the reason for dismissal has to fall within one of the permitted reasons such as capability, qualifications or any other substantial reason the Tribunal perceives to be a fair reason for dismissal. Once it is shown that the reason for dismissal was for a permitted reason, the employer must show that the dismissal was reasonable in all the circumstances. Employers must also follow strict procedures for dismissing employees for example by bringing their concerns to the attention of the employee and giving them an opportunity to improve before disciplinary action is taken. An employer must give formal warnings of dismissal before any actual dismissal takes place and any warning must give a reasonable time for the employee to act upon it. However, if an employer wishes to dismiss an employee without having to go through the correct procedures, then they can simply negotiate a Compromise Agreement, which is a contract between the employer and the employee whereby the employee ceases his employment in return for a financial settlement. This is a quick and easy way of terminating employment but can be costly. An employer should always seek legal advice before agreeing any compromise agreement as it will be binding on both parties which may result in a claim for breach of contract if not complied with. A compromise agreement will contain specific clauses that protect the employer from any future claims. Failure to follow the correct procedures can result in a claim for unfair dismissal in an Employment Tribunal up to £70,000. Therefore, getting the right advice is crucial if an employer wishes to avoid the many pitfalls that can result in an employee making a claim for unfair dismissal.
PAUL CROWLEY & CO
For further information or advice in connection with any Commercial, Company or Employment Law issue call Joe Davison on 0151 264 7363 email or Will issue call Kate Handel For advice regarding anyor Property joe.davison@paulcrowley.co.uk on 0151 286 4515 or email kate.handel@paulcrowley.co.uk The advice www.paulcrowley.co.uk stated is intended to be general guidance
S O L I C I TO R S
only and should not be relied upon.
Anfield 0151 264 7363 Walton 0151 286 4515 West Derby 0151 226 2020 Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors Limited. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA No 566808
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Move Commercial Bitesize thinking
STEVEN HESKETH general manager, Richmond Luxury Living
In my crystal ball… Liverpool City region has grown at such rapid pace over the past five to 10 years and the momentum still continues, all be it without the heavy aid of public funding. The city has a real buzz. My crystal ball tells me we are in a position of lining up Liverpool to be the “Capital of the North”. Let’s show Birmingham and Manchester that Liverpool captures not only fun, culture and friendliness – but a real connection for business as well.
Vital statistics
£9bn
Taxpayers have apparently invested £9bn to upgrade the infrastructure of the West Coast Main Line over the last decade. The figure was revealed by MP Theresa Villiers during the debate over who will be awarded the contract to run the line. Virgin boss Richard Branson has reportedly launched a legal challenge over plans to award the contract to FirstGroup.
&
Home Away
FAVOURITE BUILDINGS Matthew Ashton, creative director, MgMa Studio
If only I’d known…. If only I had known how fantastic Liverpool was, I would have been in the city many years ago. I came to Liverpool in 2009, and whilst I continue to love every minute of Liverpool, I do feel I missed the proud and memorable year of 2008, the Capital of Culture year. I also wish I had known, as I continue to grow in the world of hospitality, how important it is to listen and learn from your team. You always tend to think you know best but some of my greatest achievements have been working and listening to my colleagues. In the past I’ve certainly been too focused on my achievements, instead of the team’s achievements and the saying ‘there is no I in team” is now one of my most used in life!
HOME: India Buildings, Water Street, Liverpool. Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, India Buildings, completed in 1932 by architect
Herbert Rowse, is a testament to the art of building. Occupying an entire city block, the building is flexible enough to accommodate a variety of tenants and makes a fine contribution to the streetscape. In addition, the building has a India Buildings hidden, below ground dimension, housing one of the most dramatic spaces in the city.
‘Reach out’ Buzzword Meaning: Of all the phrases in the “unnecessary office speak” dictionary few are as annoying as this one. To reach out means to contact. But for many in the business world saying contact is just too simple. Why make things easy? So rather than asking a colleague or client to email them,
they prefer to say: “reach out to me”. Should you want to jump on the bandwagon with this awful phrase simple replace “call”, “text”, email”, “send carrier pigeon” etc with the phrase “reach out”. Get it? If you’re still confused be sure to, ahem, reach out to us and we’ll explain it further.
Fondazione Querini Stampalia
AWAY: Fondazione Querini Stampalia, Venice. Modest in scale, August in stature, the Fondazione Querini Stamplalia is a highlight in a city almost burdened with delight. A 16th Century former residence, the building houses a library and garden for public use, museum and temporary exhibitions. Modified significantly in 1963 by the master architect Carlo Scarpa, it is in the interplay of retained and remodelled elements wherein the magic of this structure is to be found. MOVE COMMERCIAL 17
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By Kate Hanratty kate@movepublishing.co.uk
The last 30 years have seen a five-fold growth in air travel. Nationally, demand for air travel is projected to be between two and three times current levels by 2030. The government’s White Paper, ‘The Future of Air Transport’ (2003) established a framework for the development of airport capacity in the UK to deal with the projected increase in passengers over the next 30 years. The regions airports have been the subjects of expansion for some time; we bring you all the latest on North West Airports including new routes and terminals...
Airports update LIVERPOOL JOHN LENNON AIRPORT What work is being done at the airport? A £12 million scheme has recently been completed at Liverpool John Lennon Airport that has brought a number of improvements for passengers including an expansion of the airport’s departure lounge, additional retail space and a new much larger and more efficient passenger security search area. Work started over two years ago and has been completed in phases. The first phase created a 20,000sq ft expansion of retail space – an increase of over 30% compared to the old layout, with several new shop units, and the creation of a much larger departure lounge. This is three times the size of the previous area, with new and additional latest generation passenger screening equipment, which has helped to reduce queuing times during peak periods. The average time from entering the security screening area to exiting into the departure lounge, with improvements has now reduced from 24 minutes to just nine minutes now. These latest development works have seen the opening of a much larger walk through Duty Free retail area operated by leading airport retailer World Duty Free. In addition, high street names including Frankie and Benny’s, JD Sports, Boots, Starbucks, Antler and others have either developed new retail outlets at the airport or expanded and refurbished existing units. New routes Ryanair has announced that it will be operating flights to Poland’s newest airport Warsaw Modlin, starting in October 2012. This takes the number of Ryanair destinations served from Liverpool to 18 MOVE COMMERCIAL
36. Further routes recently added include flights to: Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, Warsaw, Gdansk and Katowice in Poland. John Lennon Airport did introduce flights to JFK International airport in New York and Vancouver in 2006 but they were withdrawn a few months later due to low passenger numbers. Reasons behind the expansion Robin Tudor, JLA spokesman, welcomed the recent improvements to the airport. He said that the improvements would better accommodate the needs of passengers and improve the commercial operations of the airport. Security improvements were also essential to eliminate passenger bottlenecks at peak times in the day. Further Developments Government policy endorses the long-term continued growth of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, including expansion of its passenger and cargo facilities and the extension of the runway. In the future in accordance with the airport’s master plan the airport hopes to open up land to the south of the airport for a freight facility at the same time as implementing environmental improvements linked to such developments. The downturn in the world freighting industry and current recession has, as expected, impacted on the timescale of this project so this is unlikely to materialise for approximately a further 10-15 years. The master plan also includes a proposed small extension to the runway however this too is linked to the freight facility and therefore also not envisaged for some time.
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Feature Airports update
MANCHESTER AIRPORT What work is being done at the airport? Manchester Airport is the largest airport outside London and handles more traffic than some European capital city airports. There was an £80 million refurbishment of all three terminals in 2009. The latest terminal is now fully open and has new retail elements which have been added. There has also been the introduction of a number of new retailers to the airport, including Next, Jo Malone, and Bobbi Brown. In June 2012 the airport’s newly constructed £16 million air traffic control tower was completed. New routes The airport provides regular direct flights to destinations worldwide by over 60 airlines including long haul flights to the USA from Virgin Atlantic. New routes and providers at the airport include Easyjet flights to Tel Aviv this autumn. Virgin Atlantic plans to operate three daily flights from London Heathrow to Manchester from 31 March 2013. Ryanair will also begin flying to two new routes to Eastern Europe in November. The twice a week winter routes are to Gdansk, Poland and Riga, Latvia. Jet2.com is introducing flights to Corfu and Menorca for summer 2013. Additionally the following will also be new to the airports winter flights, Vancouver, Stuttgart, Barcelona, Paris, Pula, Toulouse, Berlin, Dalaman,
Dubrovnik, Milan, Venice, Verona, Beziers, Biarritz, Ibiza, Murcia, Reus, Tallin, Valencia and Washington. Reasons behind the expansion Passenger forecasts for 2015 and 2030 say that Manchester Airport will be handling between 37 and 38 million passengers a year by 2015 and that this could reach 50 million passengers a year by 2030. The airport has to expand in order to meet this demand. Further Developments In January 2012, plans were announced for a £659 million airport business park which could create up to 13,000 jobs. The scheme aims to offer high quality premises to entice international companies which would not previously have moved to the area. In August 2012, Manchester Airports Group submitted a planning application for the development of a World Logistics Hub in the southern part of Greater Manchester’s Enterprise Zone at Manchester Airport. Creating between 1.2- to 1.4-million square feet of new logistics space, the proposed Enterprise Zone development will generate more than 1,800 new jobs for local people over the next ten to 15-years, in addition to jobs associated with the construction process. MOVE COMMERCIAL 19
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By Christine Toner christine@movepublishing.co.uk
Matt Kerrigan joined Hitchcock Wright & Partners fresh from his Masters degree and eight years later became a salaried partner. He tells Move Commercial why he knew commercial property was the right route for him.
Rising through the ranks
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new people.” After graduating from Leeds Met in 2003, and with a clear idea of what career he wanted to pursue, Matt, like many new graduates, took some work experience with a property developer over the summer. “I worked for about four months on some really exciting projects and learnt a great deal but I also recognised that if I was to progress then I needed a vocational qualification in property before I could work for a commercial
and in Leeds where I was based. I knew working in property would be a job I would enjoy.” In April 2004 Matt was offered a job at Hitchcock Wright, subject to him passing his masters degree – something he achieved in August 2004. He started at Hitchcock Wright and Partners in the September. Matt’s preference was always to work in the commercial property sector rather than residential making Hitchcock Wright the
“
You can’t underestimate anybody in this job.
“
Ask many people in the property industry if this career was their childhood dream and they’ll usually tell you that it wasn’t. Children want to be astronauts and superstars. The world of commercial property doesn’t exactly appeal. Matt Kerrigan is no different. As a youngster he dreamt of being a football star, leading his beloved Everton football club onto the pitch at Goodison. However, his eventual career in commercial property was not something that happened by accident. Indeed, still at a relatively young age Matt realised he had a passion for property and in particular, commercial property. And it’s a passion that has seen him rapidly rise through the ranks at Hitchcock Wright and Partners. “When I was at Leeds Metropolitan University studying Business Studies in 2001, I undertook a placement year at Royal Liver Assurance,” he explains. “It was a fantastic opportunity for me to gain experience of working in a busy professional environment but I soon realised I didn’t want to be sat in an office all day and felt surveying gave me a good route into a job which involved me getting out and about and meeting
consultancy,” he says. And so, in September 2003 Matt began a Masters in Commercial Property Management at Liverpool John Moores University. “When I chose to do a Masters the property market was booming,” he says. “Property was trendy, there were lots of new developments springing up in Liverpool city centre
perfect choice since it was able to offer him rotation across all the major commercial property sectors. “Rightly or wrongly I felt commercial property was more diverse and provided far more scope for career progression,” he explains. “Whilst I now specialise in retail property, I had the
opportunity to be involved with retail, office and industrial which I think is crucial when you are starting your career to give a perspective of the market as a whole rather than being pigeonholed into one particular sector.” Now eight years on Matt has been made salaried partner at the firm, which celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this year and he has no plans to move from the company he started at fresh from his Masters course. “It’s a great firm with a strong reputation both across the local and national market,” he says. “We have a team of 12, so compared to the majority of our competitors we are relatively small on numbers. We see being a close knit team as an advantage as we are able to spend time sharing ideas across departments and are aware of what other projects colleagues are involved with which undoubtedly benefits our clients.” Of course, the last few years have proved difficult. The economic crash hit the market badly, the credit crunch knew no bounds. Companies big and small were affected but how strongly did Hitchcock Wright feel the hit? “As a firm we’ve obviously seen a downturn in turnover but I don’t
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Matt Kerrigan, Hitchcock Wright & Partners Rising Star
Kerrigan File DOB: 29.06.81 Education: St Anselm’s College, Oxton 1992 – 1999 Leeds Metropolitan University 1999 – 2003
Liverpool John Moore University 2003 – 2004 Career: Joined Hitchcock Wright & Partner’s in 2004 Made Salaried Partner in March 2012
think we are different to any other commercial property practice,” says Matt. “We’ve sat down and looked at ways we could tighten our belts and have sought to save costs in various ways such as reducing the size of our office accommodation earlier this year which brought about an immediate saving.” Matt says having a solid client base has been a big help. “Many of our clients have worked with Hitchcock Wright for 20 years, they’re happy so they keep coming back, which I think says a great deal about the company and the service we offer” he says. “It doesn’t matter what the market is doing, if you own commercial property you still need advice. The larger deals aren’t necessarily available any longer with bank funding having dried up but our core agency and professional work is still there.” One of the biggest challenges facing firms like Hitchcock Wright in the current climate is winning new business. “The property market is cyclical and we are in a climate where larger retailers are looking to national firms to do their work whereas historically they may have used regional companies,” says Matt. “In my view, as a regional firm, we are better placed to advise on values across the North West than perhaps a surveyor based in the South. But there is work out there, we just have to focus our attentions in the right way.” Hitchcock Wright’s clients range from national developers and retailers such as St Modwen, Warren James, David M Robinson, Spar and Costa Coffee to smaller, independent operators. One day Matt can be providing advice on a new shopping centre development and the next acquiring a small property for a private client. It is this diversity that Matt enjoys most about his job. “I meet lots of different people from all different sectors,” he says. “I meet people who are running national companies looking to expand their business and people who are looking to set up new ventures. What I’ve realised is you can’t underestimate anybody in this job. You must consider everyone’s ideas before making a decision.” MOVE COMMERCIAL 21
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22,575 SQFT MAY SUBDIVIDE
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Lumina features 13 modern commercial buildings where particular attention has been paid to the circulation areas and the quality of the external landscaping and lighting. Units benefit from the following specifications: • Electronically operated sectional up and over doors 4m x 5m • First floor offices (selected units)
• Good parking circulation areas • Heated by gas warm air blowers to warehouse and gas central heating to office
For more information please contact us on 01744 832300 or visit our website www.langtreegroupplc.co.uk/lumina
22 MOVE COMMERCIAL
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Mezzanine Offices Key events
Agents reception for special launch of Mann Island Top agents from around the city came together this month to attend a private launch of the mezzanine offices at The Latitude Building at Mann Island. On behalf of Neptune Developments and joint agents Hitchcock Wright & Partners and Mason Owen, guests were treated to a drinks reception at Mann Island’s marketing suite and then taken for a tour of the mezzanine floor at the new development. The Latitude Building along with The Longitude Building and No 1 Mann Island make up the unique mixed use Waterfront development. The mezzanine office space comprises of 16,557 sq ft of grade A office space with stunning views, abundant secure basement car parking and is available to let or for sale. The afternoon concluded with lunch at modern pan Asian restaurant Matou at Liverpool’s Pier head. All letting and sales enquiries to Brian Ricketts at HW&P on 0151 227 3400 or Andrew Owen at Mason Owen on 0151 242 3000.
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1. Agents taken for a tour of the mezzanine floor at the new development. 2. Brian Ricketts (Hitchcock Wright & Partners), Stephen Osuhor (Neptune Developments), Stephen Parry (Neptune Developments). 3. Nicola Dunkerley Rachel McKenzie (both of CBRE). 4. Jonathan Lowe (GVA), Andrew Owen (Mason Owen), Andrew Byrne (Keppie Massie). 5. Helen Moss (Jones Lang LaSalle), Robin Evans (Matthews & Goodman). 6. Peter Cottle (CBRE), Stuart Keppie (Keppie Massie). 7. Tony Reed (Keppie Massie), Jonathan Baucher (Cushman & Wakefield). 8. Chris Prescott (Jones Lang LaSalle), Jon Swain (Mason Partners). 9. Stephen Osuhor (Neptune Developments), Nick Rice (Rice Consulting). 10. Agents from round the city listen to Stephen Parry (Neptune Developments). MOVE COMMERCIAL 23
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By Kate Hanratty kate@movepublishing.co.uk
The 35,000 sq ft warehouse at 67 Greenland Street, now known as Camp and Furnace, has an interesting history. The warehouse has stood resolutely through many incarnations. Originally built during the reign of Queen Victoria the vast warehouse space was once home to workers who smelted metals in the furnace to create small machine parts and industrial blades.
A place for the times
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led concept space incorporating art, music, design, food and hospitality. Miles explains the thinking behind the venues design: "We'd all enjoyed a decade or so of going to festivals and wondered what it would look like, if we took all of the best bits and brought them together under one roof,” says Miles. "It was massively important to us to retain that outdoor aesthetic; we wanted to keep that feeling of being in a field with your friends, but in a city centre location." With just £500,000 of private investor cash the warehouse was brought up to a 21st century specification and developed to accommodate uses from large scale conferences to club-nights, photography shoots and pop-up restaurants. The venue, which has fifteen staff, has certainly succeeded in bringing the previously uninitiated down the road from Liverpool ONE into the Baltic Triangle. Miles was part of the team who initially set up the Baa Bar brand in Liverpool in 1991, widely acknowledged as one of the first late night bar’s in the country. Baa Bar now has ten bars across the UK and Miles says that even a recession has a silver lining. “During a recession, you can sit and hope that things are going to
get better or you can come up with the sort of ideas that will work for the time you are in” says Miles. “When we moved to the Baltic it was more or less untouched by development. There are very few sensitivities in this area, no residents, no businesses close enough to the venue to upset, the buildings are fairly low grade and commercial. It’s the sort of area where things can really happen.” And things are happening, indeed,
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The Baltic Quarter is the sort of area where things can really happen.
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Over time, and as Liverpool declined as an industrial power, the warehouse fell into quiet disrepair and spent some time as an indoor scrap yard piled high with unwanted goods. A-Foundation closed in 2011 due to national funding cuts but slowly out of its ashes came Camp and Furnace. Opened in May 2012, Camp and Furnace is a joint venture dreamt up by five directors of local business’ including, Miles, the director of FVMA Architects, Simon Rhodes of design agency Smiling Wolf, Tim and Paul Speed of Elevator Studios and Stephen Burgess chef at Rhubarb and Custard. They had an understanding landlord in James Moore, former A-Foundation backer; he offered the entrepreneurs a discounted rent on the condition that the warehouse continues to promote arts and culture. An interesting twist in the tale for a warehouse space which could have easily become a city centre residential development had history’s latest recession not hit in 2008 forcing many developers to re-think their plans for the city’s Baltic Quarter under economic circumstances. Meeting Miles Falkingham at the warehouse space, this part-bar, partrestaurant, part-event space, has been transformed into a creatively
the Baltic quarter is twitching with activity. Miles’ first venture FVMA Architects are currently working on the Baltic Creative, a publicly funded initiative funded by the European Regional Development Fund and North West Development Agency, to create more affordable, flexible office space in the quarter. The architects have designed a series of industrial tin sheds as flexible workspaces. Tenants who have already signed up for space before the building even opens include App developer Citrus Suite, British Ceramic Design Studio, Sparkle Motion Graphics and computer-generated images and business consultants Focus Innovation. And it’s evident that Camp and Furnace, flying the flag for the Baltic Quarter, will keep coming up with fresh and bold opportunities to suit the times. Camp, the UK’s first caravan park hotel is currently in development in an unoccupied part of the warehouse space. Made up of a collection of vintage caravans, Camp will be a boutique hotel meets urban campsite. A smart business move when you consider that Liverpool is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most popular city break destinations. Turning this warehouse space into more city centre residential
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Miles Falkingham, director of Camp and Furnace Mover & Shaker
space was no longer viable as a lot of developers found when the recession hit. But one area where the city’s economy is doing well is in visitor tourism, people still want to visit Liverpool and have some well earned fun and this venue certainly gives them something new to think about. Liverpool’s tourism board states that tourism is generating £3bn visitor spend across the city. Figures from 2010 show the City Region’s Visitor Economy is performing strongly, sustaining growth and bucking national trends with 54.5m visitor trips and an 8% increase in staying visitors to the city. This warehouse space has housed a variety of uses from factory to scrap yard and arts venue, mirroring the peaks and troughs of Liverpool’s economy throughout time. Camp and Furnace, is moving with the times, tapping into Liverpool’s flourishing and still expanding visitor and nightlife economy, creating a new kind of multi-purpose venue for the city and most importantly showing visitors a good time along the way.
Falkingham File DOB: 15/09/65 Education: Audio Visual Fine-art degree from South Glamorgan Institute. Career: Director ShedID and Shed Architects (1989-1996) Director ShedKM (1998-1999) Director Baa Bar Ltd (1991-2007) Director Union North (2000-2012) Director FVMA (2012) Director Camp and Furnace (2012)
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p27-40:Move Commercial 18/09/2012 15:40 Page 28
By Kate Hanratty kate@movepublishing.co.uk
Dave Pichilingi is a force to be reckoned with. Not content with being the head of Liverpool Sound City, he is now taking the Sound City brand around the globe and has rescued one of the city’s much-loved theatres from a dusty demise to become a new venue.
Musical Ambition
28 MOVE COMMERCIAL
£12, 000 to start up the business. He admits that working on ‘In the City’ festival with music legend and campaigner for his hometown of Manchester Tony Wilson inspired him to create the Sound City model. “Tony Wilson was an absolute inspiration,” says Dave. “His energy and his love for his city was second to none. Working with him, I always wanted to create something in my own city. Setting up Sound City I was able to use everything I
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whose first job was as an electrician at Ford in Halewood, how he has built the company up to where it is today? “Love,” says Dave. “Pure love for what we do and then some blood, sweat and tears. You have got to love it – if you don’t love it then how are you going to make other people love it? If people are attending the live music festival we want them to have an absolutely fantastic time and if they are attending the business expo we
The Neptune Theatre always held a lot of fond memories for me.
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Sound City the music festival and music industry expo has grown from a single event set up in Liverpool to a £1.5 million turnover business set to deliver sister events in Poland, Georgia, New York and Austin this year alone. Self-confessed would-be rock star and pillar of the Liverpool music industry Dave Pichilingi is keen to stress that Sound City is not just a music festival but also a business conference for music and digital interactive businesses with the primary aim of generating business between companies. There have been events in Scandinavia, Dubai and now venture capital company Ingenious Media, which invested in James Cameron’s blockbuster Avatar – has taken an equity stake in the brand to expand it further. “Sound City has grown year on year throughout five years of a recession and our sales have increased,” “Ingenious Media saw the profitability and opportunity in Sound City and they like the idea of taking the model around the world,” adds Dave. Sound City has grown since 2007 when Dave who has a background of working in the music industry for big players such as BMG Records used some of his own personal capital and a Merseyside ACME grant of
had learnt from Tony and he was a wonderful inspiration and a wonderful friend.” From initial investment to now taking the event to an annual audience of 75,000 festival-goers and 5,000 business delegates across the globe, I ask Dave,
want the right people to be there for them to do business with.” Over the last five years Liverpool Sound City Expo’s alone have brought in over £12 million which has been reinvested back into music and digital interactive businesses and
individuals in Liverpool. “The Liverpool Sound City Expo gives confidence and belief to new entrepreneurs that they don’t have to go to London to do business, they can do it in their own city and engage with a worldwide business audience,” adds Dave. Liverpool’s Sentric Music, a music rights management company is a case in point. It has gone from being a two-person operation to a company that now employ over 20 people with a multi-million pound turnover and business relationships in North America and all over central Europe. “We worked with Sentric Music from day one, to look at how we could develop its business model and cultivate the types of introductions the business needed and when we were designing the conferences we had our eye on that,” says Dave. Dave’s latest venture is with the former Neptune Theatre, which originally closed to the sound of public outcry in 2005 but has since seen a £1.2 million refurbishment and re-opened as the Epstein Theatre, which is set to welcome international bands and artists from all over the world. I ask Dave what was behind his move into heading up the theatre. “They always say in business don’t let your heart rule your head,”
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Dave Pichilingi, managing director, Sound City Entrepreneur
Pichilingi file DOB: 5/11/62 Education: Theatre and English at John Moores’ University, 1988 MBA in Business at Liverpool University 2006. Career: Electrician at Ford, Halewood 1978-1980 Singer with 35 Summers, 19901992 (signed to RCA) Worked in Marketing and A&R for BMG and Factory Records, 1992-1996 Tri-tone Music, 1997 to date In the City festival Manchester, 1994-2006 Set up Liverpool Sound City, 2007
says Dave. “But my heart ruled my head with this venue. From being a kid going to drama lessons with my mum on a Saturday the Neptune Theatre has always held a lot of fond memories for me.” Dave, originally from Garston but who now lives in Aigburth with his
wife and two children, explains that when the theatre went out to tender from Liverpool city council, the Sound City shareholders and team got together and thought about what the company could do with the venue. “We thought about all the
wonderful art and music we would love to bring to Liverpool and on that basis we put together a business plan bid and we were successful.” The last few months have been spent transforming the building after years of disuse back into a
professional working theatre with a first-class PA and lighting system that will work for international bands and artists. Liverpool Sound City 2011 saw BBC Sound of 2012 winner Michael Kiwanuka and James Vincent McMorrow play the theatre as well as appearances from Ian McCulloch. The autumn and winter program for the theatre will see an eclectic mix of music, theatre, dance and burlesque. “Our core staff really understand and are in tune with what the customer wants and that’s everything from the music to the business activity,” says Dave. In the future we can expect a film festival as part of the Liverpool Sound City, larger audiences and more events across the globe. “Entertainment and music impact on Liverpool’s economy in a huge way, more than people imagine,” says Dave. “Sheffield does steel well, other cities do fashion, what we do well is arts music and culture. Liverpool is an art, music and culture city and it’s important that we recognise our key strengths and play to that.”
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By Christine Toner christine@movepublishing.co.uk
AS 2012 enters its final chapter, Move Commercial looks at how the year has been for the market and gives firms the chance to celebrate their successes at the Your Move Property Awards.
Recognising success Well, it’s not been easy has it? The commercial property market has had to weather quite a storm this year. The hangover from the credit crunch lingers on and the threat, and realisation, of a double dip recession caused further challenges. “The occupational markets continue to be very tough with reduced levels of new transactions,” says David Porter, partner at Knight Frank. “The majority of landlords are looking to secure their existing tenants by negotiating favourable terms to extend leases or remove break clauses. To many this looks very attractive rather than incur the cost of moving. “However, there is clearly a lack of supply of good quality accommodation, particularly of buildings providing 15,000/20,000 sq ft or above. This has resulted in either a hardening of deals in terms of headline rent/incentives, and/or the increase activity in pre-let interest. Companies are regularly looking at options that satisfy their need for “spaceless growth,” whereby they are taking less space using it more efficiently by adopting more intelligent ways of how they utilise the accommodation.” But that’s not to say we haven’t seen success stories. Indeed, amidst the challenges have come opportunities and with the difficulties has come innovation. 30 MOVE COMMERCIAL
“2012 has brought with it an increase in demand for high quality, grade A office space, particularly with good sustainable credentials,” says Barry Roberts, Morgan Sindall’s area director for Liverpool. “The latter half of this year has brought with it a surge in bidding opportunities for work in commercial office space – a trend which looks set to continue well into next year.” The ninth annual Your Move Property Awards aims to showcase the best of the property industry in our region and highlight the successes many firms have achieved. With major developments, such as Merepark’s Central Village, still making steady progress and huge deals being struck – the sale of Liverpool’s tallest building, the West Tower, to name but one – it’s clear the market has life in it yet. Now the Your Move Property Awards wants to shine the spotlight on the stars of the industry who have managed to triumph over adversity. The prestigious ceremony will be held on 1 November at Lutyens Crypt at the Metropolitan Cathedral. This year’s theme celebrates Liverpool’s maritime history with a nod to the oceanic glamour of the original cruise liner era a century ago. Think Great Gatsby and you’re on the right track!
THE CATEGORIES (COMMERCIAL) Best Commercial Scheme (sponsored by Penlake Limited) The Best Commercial Scheme category, sponsored by Penlake Limited, celebrates the developments that have had the most impact on the region’s landscape as well as their commercial viability. The judges will take into account the architectural aspect of the scheme, in terms of its design and the sensitivity in the architectural approach. The aesthetics of the design will be considered as well as it’s sustainability, both in relation to end use and customer needs. The judges will also consider the developers use of space and materials. Commercial Deal of the Year (office, retail or industrial) Even in a tough market, there has been a number of significant deals in the commercial industry that have not only gone some way to restoring confidence but have helped shape the commercial property market in 2012. For the Commercial Deal of the Year award the judges will consider the commercial success of the deal and
the impact of the transaction on the region’s property market. The size of the deal will be taken into account as well as the delivery standards achieved. Best Professional Firm (sponsored by Atrium) The Best Professional Firm award aims to highlight the successes of any business, practise or partnership, which has an involvement in commercial property projects, developments, deals and transactions. The winning submission will be one that, in the opinion of the judges, can demonstrate a range of challenging property deals/transactions/projects completed during 2011-2012. Judges will be keen to see what the company classes as its key achievements over the last 12 months, with particular commercial successes highlighted. Entries should include evidence of their success both financially and in terms of client satisfaction. Two clients testimonials must be provided as well as contact addresses for these clients. Judges will be looking at reputation, client care and quality of service, investment in staff, innovation and the company’s overall contribution to the local economy.
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Liverpool Property Awards Focus
To enter create a PDF or Word document of no more than 500 words explaining why you believe you should win. Email your submission to kim@movepublishing.co.uk detailing the category of award company name / organization, title of submission (Business name or name of development), your name, job title, address, telephone, mobile, e-mail and website along with the necessary photos and images. Alternatively you can send you entry by post to Kim O’Brien, Move Publishing Ltd, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. The deadline for entries is 12.00pm on 30th September 2012.
MOVE COMMERCIAL 31
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By Christine Toner christine@movepublishing.co.uk
With the restoration of Liverpool's Central Library soon to be completed Move Commercial meets project manager Peter Fleming to discuss the library's historic past and what the future hold's for one of the city's best-loved buildings.
Making over a masterpiece
32 MOVE COMMERCIAL
the 1950s. The Picton Reading Room was built in 1879 and the Hornby Library in 1906, followed by the Oak Room in 1914. The Clayton Stack was built in the 1930s and an eight-storey extension was opened in 1978. Whilst the older parts of the building were in desperate need of restoration work Peter says this was not the only reason for the project.
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The historic buildings, they’re a tourist attraction in their own right.
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Of all the streets in Liverpool one in particular stands out when it comes to architectural splendour. William Brown Street, situated near to the city's main railway station, is home to a cluster of historic and beautiful buildings. This culture-packed hub includes the World Museum, the Walker Art Gallery and, sandwiched between the two, Central Library. All three date back, in part, to the 1800's although restorations and an extension have since taken place. Now the library, originally opened in 1860, is the subject of a massive renovation – to the tune of £50 million. Peter Fleming, a chartered building surveyor at Liverpool City Council, is the project manager of the renovation. With 25 years’ experience and having previously worked on major development and PFI projects he was certainly up to the job – a task he admits is an honour. “It’s one of the most significant and prominent libraries in the country,” says Peter. “It’s the beacon of the library service within Liverpool.” Indeed, Central Library has long been a jewel in Liverpool's landscape. The library is on a site which has World Heritage status and the grade II listed structure consists of various different buildings erected in different periods. The first building on the site was the William Brown building, built in 1860. It was bombed in the war and rebuilt in
“It was a case of looking at what have we got in terms of library provision and archive services for the city and the building not meeting those needs,” says Peter. “So it was a combination of having a building that would suit 21st century library services while restoring the historic areas. The library houses an archive of public
records with documents dating back to the 13th century and there are exacting standards of how you’re supposed to store archived materials.” Peter, whose previous work for Liverpool City Council includes overseeing the construction of 16 new PFI schools, has been involved in the library project from very early on. The development is being financed by a Private Finance Initiative (where public infrastructure projects are funded by private investors). The construction work is costing close to £50m and there is a 25-year facilities management provision bolted on to the contract with the PFI provider. “The contract covers the maintenance of the building and furniture, including life cycle replacement, wear and tear, plus security, site management, cleaning, grounds maintenance and waste management. Liverpool City Council will continue to provide library and archive services,” says Peter. Procuring the restoration through PFI is quite unique. Traditionally PFI’s are used to fund new builds on Brownfield sites, where there is an open piece of land on. Peter says it was a challenge to take the procurement to market. “We used the competitive dialogue procedure (a tendering option that allows for bidders to develop alternative proposals),”
explains Peter. “We whittled it down to four, then two before we finally got to the first choice. The whole process, once we got it out to the market, took two years.” The PFI contract is between the city council and Inspire, a special purpose company and part of Amber Investment Group. Shepherd Construction, a familyowned private company with a Liverpool office at St Paul’s Square, is the building contractor, with European firm Cofely responsible for the 25-year facilities management package. Liverpool architectural firm Austin-Smith:Lord is the appointed architect. The new-look library is set to open in spring 2013. A five-storey extension has been built, linking into the more historic areas. Once completed the library will see new meet old with much-improved and clearer links than before. Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, councillor Wendy Simon, has said of the project “The work undertaken so far has been painstaking, and when the building re-opens next year it will not only be transformed to its former glory, but will also be a state of the art venue for the 21st Century library user.” Indeed, the restoration work has been carried out with utmost sensitivity for the150 year old buildings. The construction team has
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Liverpool Central Library Founding Building
restored the intricate detailing to the domed ceiling of the Picton Reading Room and repaired all the timber bookcases. The work has involved thousands of working hours and has included matching plaster and paint as close to the originals used when building of the dome first began in 1875, and replacing gold leaf to the decorative raised panels. The restoration of the walls and roof – which was originally designed by Corporation Surveyor Cornelius Sherlock in the early 1870s and based on the rotunda of the British Museum in London – has been just as intricate. The dome has been re-clad in
850m² of zinc and a new glazed oculus light has been installed at the apex. To match the original materials new lath and lime plaster has been used on the external colonnades and the exquisite detailing featuring 15 liver birds within the stone masonry has been repaired. The new section of the library will include reading and information floors, a public café, meeting rooms, an atrium and roof terrace design features and a purpose-built climate controlled repository to provide storage for the Liverpool Record Office where 14km of archives will be housed. With the cultural significance of
the building undisputed, I ask Peter about the commercial viability of the renovation – amidst the government cuts on library services across the country. “This project demonstrates the city council’s commitment to community services, supports education, health and community and encourages young people to access a wide variety of services,” says Peter. “It also will provide an important resource and support for local businesses needing information including guidance on patents and intellectual property. As for the historic buildings, they’re a tourist attraction in their own right”.
Central library Located on William Brown Street. It is the largest of the 22 libraries in Liverpool. It is made up of several adjoining buildings, the first of which, the William Brown Library, was built in 1860. Most recent addition, prior to the restoration, is an eight-storey extension built in 1978.
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p27-40:Move Commercial 19/09/2012 16:59 Page 35
By Kate Hanratty kate@movepublishing.co.uk
Olympic legacy Lunch debate
The Olympic legacy in the North West It has been a summer dominated by sport. The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics saw Team GB achieve great success and brought pride to the nation. But now the Games are over, what has been left behind? Will our cities see any benefits in terms of facilities or economic growth? Move Commercial brought together three commentators in the North West to discuss what legacy the Olympics will leave on the region.
Rob Young Northwest coordinator for the 2012 Games, Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Wendy Simons Liverpool city councillor for tourism and culture.
John Hall Chief executive of Professional Liverpool.
MOVE COMMERCIAL 35
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Where improvements made to facilities in the North West in the run up to 2012? Rob: The thing to say when we’re having a debate about the Olympic legacy is that since the bid for the Olympics we have been planning to make the most of the games. I’ve been in post since December 2006 and when you look at what’s been built since then, you can see the legacy has been planned from the outset. There has been a lot of investment into sporting facilities over the last six or seven years, under various guises that have been related to London 2012 and London 2012 has brought forward investment to enable things to happen. Significant developments like the National Cycling Centre in Manchester and Knowsley Council’s new leisure developments, these were brought forward as part of the London 2012 agenda. There are facilities like Orford Park in Warrington, which is a £28 million facility. London 2012 helped bring that investment forward. There have been a lot of positive investments in facilities in the North West over the last six or
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There have been a lot of positive investments in facilities in the North West over the last six or seven years.
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36 MOVE COMMERCIAL
seven years. Wendy: In Liverpool sport is always really high on our agenda. We were hoping not only to live on through the legacy left by the buildings but also to encourage the decade of health and wellbeing. One of the big things for us was not only to incorporate the buildings but also to increase levels of health and wellbeing and how we could merge those two agendas. We’re in dialogue with Sport England at the moment and it is looking to improve two of our swimming pools. Knowsley has just built a new leisure and cultural facility with a Velodrome and BMX track. We have Park Road leisure centre where four out of the five Olympic GB women’s gymnastics team were coached and trained. With that in mind Sport England and national governing bodies are talking about getting further developmental officers for athletics, tennis and table tennis. The torch relay was fantastic for the city, it gave an opportunity for everyone to take part in the Olympic Games and feel that they were a part of it. It was a much bigger success than a lot of people anticipated; it drove real enthusiasm for people watching all different kinds of sport. If you listened to people both in the workplace and in the community they were just glued to the TV while the Olympics were on and I’m sure the figures will show that. John: I have to declare my hand here and say that like a number of people I was a bit negative about the Olympics legacy, particularly in the North West as I thought it was a very London centric event. I was won over within ten minutes of the opening ceremony. I wished I’d have been there! I thought it was fantastic. My glass is usually half full not half empty, but I have come here with a slightly negative view on why should there be a legacy in the North West from the Olympics. I’m learning at the moment and I am delighted to hear what you’re saying, the more that happens in the North West the better. We have a magnificent opportunity here to follow on from the Olympics. Rob: The point that Wendy made is key – it isn’t just about facilities to encourage participation in sport, it’s about the pathways from school sport into clubs. Over the last six years we’ve been building those
foundations with all partners across the North West. We saw with Beijing the huge spike of interest that the event created and we could predict what would happen with London 2012, maybe not to the level of success we had, but we could see it coming. The motto was inspire a generation and I think you can say people have been inspired. Now you need the opportunities to follow it through. If people say I want to get involved in fencing, where is my nearest fencing club? It’s about being geared up for that interest off the back of the games. The Australian swimming team signed a deal with the Manchester Aquatic centre, which will see them train there for at least three
major competitions until 2014. The region has already had success in securing Pre-Games 2012 training camps, with Thailand and Oceania. How much money can these deals bring to the region? RY: There were teams from 22 different nations training for the Olympics and Paralympics in the North West and that is not including Team GB. There are direct economic benefits from those arrangements. For example the Australian swimming team is a high profile team and has a large entourage. We benefit from them, similarly from the Brazilian Paralympics team. There are profile benefits to be had from associating yourself with success, to be blunt, but there are a lot of more social benefits too. There were Pacific nations from Oceania training in the North West and a number of them in Liverpool. They don’t generate an economic return from four or five athletes but what we did
see was that communities really engage with them. A number of these agreements are continuing post London 2012. We’re already talking about Glasgow 2014, the World Athletics Championships where teams will come in and then there’s the Rugby League and Rugby Union World cups. WS: It’s about athletes’ experience of being in the North West. A lot of athletes and their entourage don’t usually go further than London, now word is getting back about the facilities that we have on offer in the North West. That word always doesn’t get out there. The World Netball Championships have come to Liverpool two years on the run, It’s about how you sell sport as part of your city package. JH: The engagement that the North West has had as part of the Olympics has been amazing. I’m born and bred here so I am biased, but I can’t help but think that people who visit this corner of the world will be impressed. It’s getting them here in the first place; once they are here you don’t hear very many negatives. It’s about getting that message out there. If you can show to the world that the North West is attractive to Australians, it can only do good. RY: I’m confident that I can comfortably talk about the areas of benefit across the region; social, sporting and economic. But more often than not I’m speaking to an audience who isn’t aware of it. Our biggest challenge has been getting that message out. Our watershed was the Torch Relay; we had 1.7 million people line the streets in the North West, 20% of the population came out. Will the Olympics legacy affect private investment in sport? Will private investors inspired by team GB’s success; see sports facilities as a good investment opportunity or in the current double dip climate is this not the best time for this type of investment? RY: It’s not just about facilities. Asking private sector to invest in sports facilities is quite a difficult model as a lot of facilities do require a public subsidy, that’s the nature of them. But if you look at sport in general then the games has certainly shone a light on sport that may have not been considered
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Olympic legacy Lunch debate previously as an opportunity. I think post Games there will be the opportunity for businesses to associate themselves more directly with sport and athletes and some of these initiatives because, with the Games, the branding restrictions make it very difficult. It’s only the London 2012 sponsors who could get involved but all of a sudden the range of partners has become far wider. That is an opportunity. Whether or not that is taken forward will be interesting to see given the broader economic climate. WS: It’s getting that message to the private sector about the crowds that sports gather, even the smaller sports bring people who are coming to see those sports and the city. It's about how the private sector could partner with sporting bodies or local authorities, – whatever their business is, if we can attract this level of national or international sporting events to the city this will benefit us in that way. If you can sell your product or develop your link it doesn’t necessarily have to be sponsoring a massive sporting event. There are a lot of events in Manchester Velodrome or Knowsley Velodrome or Park Road Gymnastics – what could your business, gain from that? You can profile people who might be at those kinds of events that you may wish to attract to your business so it is looking at it from both sides. JH: I think the approach has to be an
altruistic one –companies don’t go into sponsoring to make a return on their money, it’s to raise profile and a genuine desire to build upon what has been achieved and to engage. It's about keeping people off the streets, getting them involved, giving them an interest
and giving them back their self confidence. Part of the problem in this economic climate is we know there are an awful lot of companies who are just building up their balance sheet. There is an awful lot of money out there but they are not,
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and development offices. That huge network is absolutely massive but the concern that has always been there is that leisure is not a statutory responsibility. On both sides it’s a real challenge. The Olympics and Paralympics give us
The olympics gave us the opportunity to shine a light on sport at a time when its at risk of not being supported by public or private investors.
in this economic climate, prepared to invest it. I was very disappointed to hear Nick Clegg saying there should be a short term tax on the very wealthy. This is a drop in the ocean compared to the deficit. Surely there could be a little bit more imagination applied and they could say there will be a discount in tax if there is investment in sport, charities and in other areas because let’s face it, conventional economics aren’t really turning the corner. There is an opportunity here and it’s got to be taken swiftly because of the feeling of huge success, we must build on it now. Barry Wells (a financial services entrepreneur from Liverpool) put a huge amount of money into sport to help Jessica Ennis and other athletes. He could inspire others who may be in a similar position to get more involved. There is money coming from individuals but I think companies are very cautious when it comes to sponsorship. RY: The concern is that when you actually look at where the investment in sport comes from in this country, the vast majority of it is coming from the public sector through the support of local government, subsidies to keep facilities running, the infrastructure
the opportunity to shine a light on sport in the UK probably like never before but particularly at a time when it’s at greatest risk of cuts and not being supported by public or private investors. How do private investments into sporting facilities produce return for investors? WS: It depends what return you are looking for. If that return is to pay back to your community or where your business is invested then you get that a hundred fold. You see the investment you put in and then young people taking part, the end result being keeping them off the streets and that place being a better place to live. WS: The only real financial return is if you have your own private gym and run that as a business… JH: Or if you sponsor a golfer and take a cut of his earnings, but then that is against the spirit of sponsorship all together. RY: We’re finding that it is not enough to simply position yourself next to sport or an event or a facility as a sponsor now, it is how you lever those benefits. We're finding, post Olympics, with some of the 2012 sponsors that it’s just not enough to put x million pound in, it’s about how they have levered it. David Cameron has guaranteed funding for elite sports but in the face of cuts how will leisure facilities fare in the region? RY: The funding for the elite side of things comes through to Rio which is reassuring. But I hope that people don’t forget about what a great summer it has been and what the impact of that will be. There is a huge challenge that this country faces – you want to make sure you keep that
message on. We don’t just say that that is the Olympic Games done and then move on to the next thing. WS: While they may be investing at elite level the amount of money that has been withdrawn from sport and the programs that have been cut through budget reductions particularly to local authorities and other public sector bodies - has made it extremely difficult. There is an increasing number of local authorities who now don’t manage their own leisure centres and that can have a huge impact on some of our poorer communities. It’s a really big challenge with the recession and cuts to budgets across the board. We said before that sport is not a statutory responsibility so when it comes to local authorities having to make difficult decisions there is a real challenge there for us. I think that is why we need to look at sport in the round and the benefits it brings to encourage that funding to continue. We should look at different ways of developing and managing facilities– we've done that with Wavertree sports park. We’ve done a deal with John Moore’s University. They were struggling to provide upto-date leisure facilities, with budget issues, so they fund us to make sure their students have passes for all of our facilities. That is another partnership looking at how you can pool resources to keep leisure centres going. DAY AND NIGHT CAFÉ, BAR AND BISTRO 54 St James Street, Liverpool Our panel enjoyed lunch at the Day and Night Café, Bar and Bistro at 54, St James Street, They chose from a range of delicious and generously proportioned soups, sandwiches, wraps and pittas all filled with a range of fresh and appetizing ingredients. The Day and Night Café Bar and Bistro has a host of meeting rooms, including a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city available for hire. Call into Day and Night, for an excellent selection of breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea and feel free to take advantage of the venues free wifi. To enquire about hiring out the venues meeting spaces call 0151 7068148 or visit www.day-andnight-liverpool.com
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Expert views Ask the panel In an attempt to boost the construction industry the government has relaxed building rules - will this have any knock on effect on the commercial property market?
“The reforms to planning legislation announced by the government last week are aimed at cutting through red tape, pushing through applications and an initiative to get developments started. Whilst these measures should be welcomed in order to promote development, free up local authority planning officers’ time to concentrate on major schemes rather than domestic extensions and to promote the construction of more affordable homes, they cannot address the fact that the majority of unimplemented permissions will simply not be implemented until the financial market changes. It is a hugely bold statement and both Labour and the Conservative-led LGA's have criticised the plans highlighting that it is not the planning system that is broken. They argue it is lack of investment preventing developers from proceeding.” Adam Hall, managing director, Falconer Chester Hall Architects
“Although the government’s permitted development proposals are mainly targeted at the residential housebuilding sector, they do include provision for businesses to expand shops by up to 100m and industrial units by up to 200m without planning permission. Of course any measures to encourage building are to be welcomed but this policy assumes the main barrier to expansion is the costs and delays caused by planning. The reality, however, is that businesses are more likely to be hamstrung by market uncertainty, a lack of confidence and the difficulties in obtaining finance. Hopefully the next steps will see these words translate into action which creates a genuine momentum to restore confidence and encourage more movement in the development market.” Andrew Russell, managing director, Russells Construction
“Unfortunately, the specific policies that the coalition have decided upon are not necessarily the most effective. It is not red tape that is holding the industry back but a haemorrhaging of funds and a weakened market. There are developers out there who have land available and permissions in place to build houses but find no encouragement either from lenders in respect of funding or from the market in respect of sales. The government ought to be providing financial incentives to build, through grants or tax breaks, which in turn will lead to an improved outlook for the housing and commercial sectors alike.” Tony Hughes, director, Space Nation Architects
“The introduction of measures to streamline planning processes and reduce the burden on developers and occupiers within the latest government statement on housing and growth are welcomed, although they do not address the core issues of lack of occupier demand, viability, availability of funding, and confidence in the economy. The system remains in a state of flux. A number of the practical measures set out in Pickles’ statement make 38 MOVE COMMERCIAL
good sense. However, they do not tackle the many bigger issues behind the current lack of development pipeline; namely funding enabling infrastructure, easing the burden on the developer, and the affordable pricing of homes.” Nicola Rigby, associate, planning, development and regeneration, GVA
“Whilst the government’s latest tinkering with a planning system which has only been in place for six months focuses mainly on housing, some wider measures have been proposed. The prospect of relaxed planning rules for extending commercial premises is welcome and could free up under resourced planning departments to deal with larger schemes, as well as fast tracking major economic development. The government has promised to consult on the detail, so whether this measure is brought into effect is, as yet, uncertain.” Emma Jones, senior partner, GL Hearn
“I find the government proposal to relax planning regulations somewhat worrying. Complex litigation issues relating to planning consent cannot simply be brushed under the carpet. Disputes need to be resolved through a proper process by people with experience of the property industry. The alternative to this is legal, lengthy and even more costly. As an architect I am concerned that sole practitioners will lose business. Builders will be able to construct without consulting an architect, and without planners consulting residents.” Kevin Horton, architect director, K2 Architects
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