The iconic Lewis's Building on Renshaw Street in Liverpool city centre has been put on the market on a freehold basis. The Grade II listed structure, first opened in 1856 as one of England's first department stores, is being marketed by global commercial real estate advisor Avison Young and joint agents Area.
Current Tenants and Available Space
The building has been partially redeveloped and currently houses a 126-bedroom Adagio aparthotel, which occupies 86,000 sq ft, and a Pure Gym. The remaining space includes nearly 70,000 sq ft of self-contained office facilities known as The Department, along with 138,492 sq ft of the former department store in shell and core condition.
Additionally, three retail and leisure units totalling 37,149 sq ft are available, each with independent access from Renshaw Street and Ranelagh Street, plus a basement. The property generates over £800,000 in annual rental income, with Adagio Hotels' lease expiring in 2043 and Pure Gym's in 2032.
Prime Location and Regeneration Potential
Situated at the corner of Ranelagh Street, the building sits at the junction of Liverpool's Knowledge Quarter, just a 10-minute walk from the city's main university buildings. The area is earmarked for large-scale regeneration, including the £5bn expansion of Liverpool Central Station Gateway directly behind the Lewis's Building.
Marketing agents describe the site as an "unrivalled city centre investment and redevelopment opportunity," with potential uses including education, life sciences, hospitality, residential, and student accommodation.
Agent Comments
David Winterbottom, principal of capital markets at Avison Young, said: "The Lewis's Building is an iconic cornerstone of Liverpool city centre, and we expect to see strong interest as this historic site comes to market. The property presents a truly unrivalled opportunity for mixed-use redevelopment, offering exceptional flexibility for a wide range of future uses. Positioned at the intersection of Liverpool's thriving retail, office and innovation districts, the site benefits from significant planning potential across residential, leisure, commercial and cultural sectors."
He added: "Liverpool city centre has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, driven by significant inward investment, and this landmark asset is now poised to be reimagined for the next generation, reflecting the continued regeneration and growth we're already seeing across the wider city region."
