MORE HEAVYWEIGHTS SIGN UP TO EXCHANGE FLAGS

UK Land and Property and Pochin have announced two further big name lettings at Exchange Flags in Liverpool and, at 2,765 sq m (29,758 sq ft), makes this the largest office letting in the city this year.

Global business services provider, Regus, has leased 2,186 sq m (23,528 sq ft) and Deloittes will occupy 579 sq m (6,230 sq ft) at the newly refurbished Horton House, which is also home to Brabners Chaffe Street, Knight Frank and Strategic Back Office Solutions (SBOS). The deals mean that 2,255 sq m (24,275 sq ft) of office accommodation remains available, as well as 481 sq m (5,175 sq ft) of retail.

Its counterpart, Walker House has also been well received by the market, with a pre-letting of 6,503 sq m (70,000 sq ft) to The Ministry of Defence, which is to relocate to Walker House later this year. The 10-storey building is currently undergoing a £15 million refurbishment, having been vacant for the last fifteen years. It will provide the market with large single floor plates ranging from 1,068 sq m to 2,600 sq m (11,500 sq ft to 28,000 sq ft), together with approximately 929 sq m (10,000 sq ft) of retail and restaurant opportunities on ground floor.

On the lettings, Simon Parker, managing director of UK Land and Property, comments: "These deals demonstrate that Exchange Flags has the necessary criteria to attract global organisations and blue-chip companies. The Regus deal, in particular marks a significant inward investment success for Liverpool, as it is the first time that Regus has had a presence in the city. Having secured over 74,000 sq ft office accommodation at Horton House, clearly the demand for the right product, in the right place is still there, at this level.

"The Flags' impressive architecture, location and high-quality refurbishment have meant that we are succeeding in building up an impressive portfolio of blue-chip occupiers, confirming the area as a key business destination in the North West."

Jim Gill, chief executive of Liverpool Vision adds: "This is really good news. I know that Regus have been considering a venture in Liverpool City Centre for some time, so to have it confirmed is an important statement of confidence in the city and in the quality of the offer at Exchange Flags. The lettings mark a good start to 2008 following a another strong performance by the commercial office market in 2007."