Architects moves to new waterfront offices to accommodate growth

Liverpool-based architecture practice Studio RBA has announced a move to new offices on the Liverpool waterfront to accommodate its growth.

The firm has signed a five-year lease for a mezzanine suite at Edward Pavilion in the Royal Albert Dock with landlord CBRE Global Investors.

The company moved in over the weekend after final fit-out and technology installation were concluded.

Managing director, Kenny McNaughton, said: “We have been growing steadily and needed to provide more space and facilities for colleagues and clients.

“It’s a testament to a talented and hard-working team and we’re delighted to be in our new home with a view of the water.”

He added: “It’s a great location and we’re pleased to be playing our part in reinhabiting the city centre. Those who predicted the death of the office didn’t seem to factor in creative businesses like ours for whom the sharing and testing of ideas is core to what we do.

“Having a great office is a key ingredient of our creativity.”

The 12-strong practice, founded in 2017, moved from Wavertree Technology Park in the east of the city.

It has enjoyed a number of recent successes, including planning permission for a 300-unit apartment scheme on St Anne Street in Liverpool for developer SEP and the new Baltic Hotel in Liverpool for operator Living Brick.

Neil Kirkham, director at CBRE, was sole letting agent for the landlord and says the move demonstrates the enduring appeal of the Royal Albert Dock.

“The dock has undergone a transformation in terms of its leisure and retail offer towards a more bespoke, artisan offering, broadening its appeal to office occupiers.

“Attracting creative businesses like Studio RBA validates that strategy completely.

“Couple this with the proximity to Liverpool One and James Street rail station and the offer for office occupiers at Royal Albert Dock really is a compelling one.”

CBRE acted for Studio RBA on the transaction. CBRE advised the landlord.