By far the largest private-sector property development on the go in Liverpool at the moment is the refurbishment of the JM Centre in Old Hall Street, which will be renamed the Sir John Moores Building.
Single floors of more than 20,000 sq ft will be offered when space becomes available this year — a unique selling point in the city.
The centre was built in the mid-1960s as the headquarters of the Littlewoods football pools to mail order combine.
A couple of years ago Littlewoods decided to distribute its head office functions around Liverpool, and the JM Centre became Littlewoods’ main contribution to a new property venture with P & O Centreville Estates.
One floor has already been let to Cuff Roberts North Kirk solicitors, and several more will be available when Littlewoods’ chain stores division moves to Albert Dock this autumn.
Littlewoods’ property director, Roger Hingley, reports a “moderately steady stream” of inquiries for space — mainly for up to one-third or half of a floor.
Centreville is spending £1m on remodelling the main entrance and improving the external appearance, while inside floors will be refurbished to individual tenants’ specifications.
The project is unique in that it is financed entirely by the private sector, with no contribution or guarantees at all from either local or national government bodies.
