Work starts on shipping HQ
WORK has started on the first purpose-built shipping company headquarters in Liverpool since the development of the India Buildings in 1924.
The new home for Atlantic Container Lines (ACL), in Duke Street, is being brought forward by property group Langtree which has appointed Wates Construction.
ACL’s 160 staff are based at Princes Dock but will move into the new 62,000 sq ft HQ at 86-90 Duke Street in 2016.
The building is being constructed on the site of derelict buildings on the corner of Duke Street and Henry Street, opposite The Monro pub. The work involves the demolition of 86-90 Duke Street, 71 Henry Street and 14 Suffolk Street, but the facade of the Vinegar Works on Henry Street will be retained.
The proposals caused unease at English Heritage which was reluctant to see the demolition of 86 Duke Street and considered the plan to represent a “substantial level of harm to the city’s designated heritage assets”.
The project has been supported with a £2.82m grant from the European Regional Development Fund and a £1.38m loan from the Chrysalis Fund which is designed to kick start property schemes.
Ian Higby, ACL’s UK managing director, said: “We have been growing for some years and the time is right to develop our own HQ in the city. We have created around 50 new jobs this year alone and this new building will give us the space to grow further.
“We are centralising a lot of activity in Liverpool. We have brought work here from North America and Europe, and there is no doubt Liverpool is a great city for maritime. Langtree has been enormously helpful in facilitating our move, and we’re also very grateful for the support we’ve received from the City, the LEP and from the Regional Growth Fund.
“The building will provide superb accommodation for the business and sends a clear message regarding our commitment to our staff and to Liverpool. We will also be seeking occupiers for the balance of the space and are confident that there will be strong interest to take this up.”
The four-storey building has been designed by DLA Architects. ACL is part of the Italian shipping group Grimaldi.
