Appointments to market 17,000 sq ft of refurbished offices

Independent property development and investment specialist CERT Property has appointed real estate advisors Colliers International and B1 Real Estate to jointly market almost 17,000 sq ft of refurbished office space at Centric House in Liverpool.

CERT Property has transformed 16,965 sq ft of space on the second, third and fourth floors of Centric House, a former Barclays bank office on Moorfields, off Dale Street in Liverpool’s central business district (CBD).

Targeted at the financial and professional services sector, the three floors being marketed now provide potential occupiers with modern amenities including efficiently-designed and flexible floor plates, intelligent lighting, new heating and cooling systems, refurbished WCs, tenant bike and shower facilities and an electronic entrance system.

In total, Centric House provides 27,336 sq ft of office space on four floors with current occupiers being recruitment agency Proactive Personnel and Citibase, a provider of co-working space.

Strategically located in the office core of Liverpool, Centric House offers extensive regional and national rail links via Moorfields Merseyrail station, access to the national motorway network and Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester International Airport within easy reach.

Howard Lord, managing director of Manchester-based CERT Property, said: “This acquisition fits within our strategy to create a portfolio of properties offering flexible working solutions.

“Liverpool is a vibrant city that has huge potential and a supply shortage of quality office space.

“Centric House is in a superb location in the city core, with Moorfields train station directly opposite and in walking distance of the historic docks.

“As the working world continues to evolve, we have recognised the growing demand for adaptable and serviced office accommodation.”

Paul Shakeshaft, director of operations at Cert Property, added: “It has always been our intention to rejuvenate and breathe new life into this iconic Liverpool building.

“What immediately struck us was how this building’s beautiful architecture had been lost in its recent inactivity.

“Our refresh to the facade and entrance will use the tone of the exterior’s exaggerated curves and symmetry to create a luxurious, yet intimate working space. The reception and co-working hub will encourage people from different companies to cross paths and create a collaborative community.

“Amongst our initial upgrades will be tenant bike and shower facilities and a new electronic entrance system.

“Underground parking is available with further new facilities announced in the next few weeks.”

Common areas including the reception of Centric House are scheduled to be refurbished by interior design specialist No Chintz.

James Strong, of the Liverpool office of Colliers International, said: “The refurbishment of Centric House will offer a very exciting product for Liverpool within an established location which we feel will be attractive to a broad range of occupiers, options to take up to 16,965 sq ft of space in both serviced/all inclusive rental packages, as well as more traditional leases, provides flexibility in a market that has high levels of demand for good quality office space with low levels of supply.”