Property round-up: Bruntwood takes five in Liverpool; Venmore’s auction boost; and more

COMMERCIAL property company Bruntwood has secured five lettings at three of its Liverpool buildings; Cotton Exchange, Exchange Court and Queens Insurance building.

Liverpool-based law firm John Pickering & Partners has relocated to Exchange Court on Dale Street, taking a larger 2,500 sq ft unit after moving from another Bruntwood building, 19 Castle Street.

Promotions firm Access Point has taken a 1,980 sq ft suite in the Grade II listed Cotton Exchange, its first office in the city centre, with a view to growing its staff base. Catherine Higgins Solicitors has also taken 1,300 sq ft in the building.

Meanwhile, Paintbox Art Media has upgraded from temporary space to take 1,400 sq ft at Queens Insurance building and internet marketing agency PH Creative has taken an extra 200 sq ft.

David Seddon, head of sales for Bruntwood, said: “We have seen a growing trend in existing customers looking for additional office space but not wanting to move offices completely.

“Given our flexible approach we have been able to accommodate the needs of our customers by expanding their existing offices without needing to relocate.

“Securing a new customer, such as Access Point, is a fantastic letting for the building and testament to the recently refurbished reception and common parts.”

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LIVERPOOL auctioneer Venmore brought in £1.76m from its March event, making it the most succesful it has held in two years.

The company said that it sold 80% of the properties within its catalogue. The first lot of the day – an East Lancashire property with a guide price of £20,000, eventually sold for almost double tat at £39,500. Moreover, an investment property in West Derby sold for £125,000, which was £45,000 above its guide price.

Geoff Guest, commercial director at Venmore’s Dale Street branch, said: “We are continuing to see a high level of sales in the auction market for 2012, as well as a high increase in competitive bidding in the room.”

Meanwhile, Smith & Sons has said that it will have 32 lots available at its Wirral auction on April 25, set for the Village Hotel in Bromborough. Lots on offer include a six-bed semi in Osborne Rd with a guide price of £70,000 and a double-fronted property near Wallasey golf club.

Auctioneer Chris Johnson saud: “This catalogue provides a good mix of refurbishment and investment opportunities.

“Auctions continue to have an impact on the residential sales market with vendors and purchasers appreciating the transparency of the auction route, the definitive time scales and the realistic guide prices.”

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WARRINGTON Borough Council, Warrington & Co and Marketing Cheshire will present the findings of their annual Warrington Property Review at an event this Thursday.

The review, containing economic analysis of the town and its future growth prospects, will also provide an overview of local commercial and industrial property movements as well as commentary on key retail, leisure and residential developments.

The event is being sponsored by Muse Developments, the council’s development partner in the forthcoming regeneration of Bridge Street and Time Square.