Iconic Liverpool building flies off the market in £2.25m deal

Liverpool-based property developer Downing has secured a buyer for the city’s iconic Federation House in a deal worth £2.25m.

The 21,000 sq ft building, which comprises five levels of office space and sits along from the Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street, has been acquired by Robert Smith Group.

Current occupants of the site include the Liverpool Media Academy, coffee shop Moose Coffee and restaurant Ego.

Downing’s head of property management, John Clegg, said: “We’re pleased to complete the sale of what is one of the most iconic buildings in Liverpool’s Canning Street Conservation area.

“The improvements and refurbishments Downing has made to the property means that the new owners are inheriting a building which is in excellent condition and fully let to a great blend of tenants.”

John added: “It represents yet another example of Downing successfully overseeing the renovation and sale of a landmark structure in the city.”

Liverpool-based commercial property consultants Worthington Owen represented Downing during the transaction.

Andrew Owen, the director at Worthington Owen, commented: “We were delighted at the level of interest generated in this asset and are increasingly seeing investments such as this throughout the city.

“The Robert Smith Group performed exceptionally well throughout this transaction – completing within eight weeks of the agreement of terms. There is no doubt the future of the building is in safe hands.”

David Colvin of property advisory firm Matthews and Goodman acted on the acquisition alongside Paul Norman from advisors Hatrick Property.

David said: “It’s a quality building in an excellent location; this area of Liverpool, between the wonderful cathedrals, is bustling with life, learning, creative industry and the arts.

“As a result, we see this as a prudent investment in the city and look forward to forming a lasting relationship with our occupiers. We are delighted Matthews and Goodman have also been fully retained to manage the property for the future, on behalf of the new owners.”

The exterior ground level of Federation House is characterised by Aztec-style cladding made from glass fibre and designed by William Mitchell, the architect who created the main doors and bell tower of Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral.

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