Paradise project is over 50% full

29 Apr 2006 

MORE than half of Grosvenor's 920 Million Pound shopping development in Liverpool has been filled, two years ahead of its opening date.

Next week, a high-profile launch of what is being promoted as "Liverpool One" is to take place in London to promote the remaining 45% of floor space still available.

Key letting agents and specialist agencies will be at the event which will be led by Grosvenor's chief executive, Stephen Musgrave. Karen Millen and Oasis are two new names to sign up, while shops signed up to occupy major space units in the development area include New Look, Sports World, Virgin Megastores and JD/Nike/Scotts. They have all taken larger shops located in prime locations throughout Liverpool One.

They join the two big anchor stores, John Lewis and Debenhams, both currently being built. John Lewis, the scheme's biggest store, will occupy 240,000 sq ft as a replacement for its Church Street shop.

Debenhams, with their 185,000 sq ft store, will be new to Liverpool.

Last night a spokesman for Grosvenor, the company headed by the Duke of Westminster, said: "Grosvenor's transformation of Liverpool city centre is creating a new frame of reference in the industry and retailers are seizing the opportunity to be part of this unique development at an early stage. Karen Millen, Oasis, Barretts, Earnest Jones, H Samuel, O2 an d Orange have also committed to joining the anchors and the major store users at Liverpool One." The list of well-known retailers provide a strong foundation to the lettings campaign, which is already targeting many more regional, national and international names to bring them to Liverpool.

Liverpool One will feature four retail districts, 30 individually designed buildings, 1.4m sq ft of retail space, a 14-screen Odeon multiplex cinema, 230,000 square feet of restaurants, cafes and bars, together with more than 600 new apartments, two hotels, offices, and a revitalised five acre park.

Each of the new retail districts will be imbued with a unique offer and atmosphere. The complementary districts have been designed to allow each to appeal to different types of consumers.

Neil Barber, head of retail leasing at Grosvenor, said he was pleased by the industry's positive response to the development.

He said: "We are absolutely delighted by the commitment that Liverpool One is attracting from retailers.

"Our focus now is to attract those complementary and niche brands that will complete the individual look and feel of each district."

The major units will be located in Paradise Street and South John Street, the former destined to become a chic European-style boulevard, designed to appeal to younger shoppers.

Paradise Street itself will be a family-orientated, shopping, eating, and leisure destination, with access to the park and Liverpool's historic waterfront.

The remaining two retail districts are Hanover Street, a lifestyle-focused destination and Peter's Lane, a designer-led area, based around two small squares, narrow streets and an elegant covered arcade.

Cllr Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council said: "I am not surprised, that top names are signing up for Liverpool One. It is one of the most exciting developments of its type in Europe."

Liverpool One is due to be completed in 2008, during Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture.

It spans 42 acres and will contain 30 individually designed buildings. By Larry Neild City Editor, Daily Post

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