COFFEE REPUBLIC SIGNS UP TO THE FLAGS

Exchange Flags has welcomed its first leisure tenant, Coffee Republic to its newly refurbished scheme in Liverpool's prime core.

Coffee Republic has taken 111 sq m (1,200 sq ft) of retail accommodation on the ground floor at Walker House, which is undergoing a £15million refurbishment to bring 18,580 sq m (210,000 sq ft) of office accommodation to the market. Following the MoD's occupation of 70,000 sq ft later this year, 140,000 sq ft will remain, in addition to 2,137 sq m (23,000 sq ft) of retail / leisure space.

Its counterpart, Horton House, has been fully refurbished and is now home to tenants including Brabners Chaffe Street, Knight Frank, Regus and Deloittes.

On the letting, Ian Sherry of UK Land & Property comments: "As we near the completion of the refurbishment at Exchange Flags, much interest has been generated from retail and leisure operators looking to tap into the high footfall the scheme records each day.

"Made up by Horton and Walker House, Exchange Flags acts as the gateway which links Grosvenor's Liverpool One and the traditional office core with the new and emerging commercial business district centred on Old Hall Street.

"The retail and leisure operators will benefit from the host of blue-chip occupiers already signed up at Exchange Flags, as well as the exceptional refurbishment of both buildings, in a location which is simply first class."

The 14,864 sq m (160,000 sq ft) Horton House was acquired by the joint venture in June 06 and has since undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, setting a benchmark for high quality office accommodation in Liverpool. The joint venture completed the ownership, acquiring Walker House the following summer. Walker House is the final phase of the transformation of Exchange Flags.