The iconic Grade II-listed Lewis's Building in Liverpool city centre has been put up for sale, marking a new chapter for the historic department store that first opened its doors in the 19th century. Located on the corner of Renshaw Street and Ranelagh Street, the property is being marketed on a freehold basis by global commercial real estate advisor Avison Young and joint agents Area.
History of Lewis's Department Store
Lewis's was the flagship store of the Lewis's empire, founded by David Lewis who arrived in Liverpool in 1839 at the age of 16. After serving an apprenticeship with a tailoring firm, he opened his first small shop at 44 Ranelagh Street in 1856, selling men's and boys' clothing. By the time Lewis died in 1885, the Ranelagh Street store had become the city's largest department store, with branches also in Manchester, Sheffield, and Birmingham. Lewis's was famously known for selling tea for just 2 shillings and was claimed to have been instrumental in making tea the nation's favourite drink, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The current building replaced the original store, which was destroyed by Luftwaffe bombing during World War II. For decades, it remained a cornerstone of local life, employing countless people from across Merseyside and serving as a weekend shopping destination. Fond memories include the fragrance of the perfume department, bustling food halls, and the legendary Christmas grotto where families took festive photographs.
Decline and Closure
In 1991, the entire retail chain was acquired by Owen Owen, later taken over by BHS billionaire Philip Green. By 2001, the Liverpool branch was the sole survivor of the Lewis's legacy until Owen Owen went into administration in 2007. Lewis's finally closed in 2010 under owner Vergo Retail.
Current State and Redevelopment Potential
The building has been partially redeveloped and currently houses a 126-bedroom Adagio aparthotel (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, and 138,492 sq ft of former department store space in shell-and-core condition. Additionally, three retail and leisure units totalling 37,149 sq ft with independent access off Renshaw Street and Ranelagh Street are available, plus a basement.
The property already generates more than £800,000 in annual rental income, with Adagio Hotels' lease expiring in 2043 and Pure Gym's in 2032. The site is situated in an area earmarked for large-scale regeneration, including the £5 billion expansion of Liverpool Central Station Gateway, which sits directly behind the building.
Marketing and Future Uses
Those marketing the site describe it as an "unrivalled city centre investment and redevelopment opportunity," with potential uses including education, life sciences, hospitality, residential, and student accommodation. David Winterbottom of Avison Young's principal capital markets team 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." He added that Liverpool city centre has undergone remarkable transformation driven by significant inward investment, and the landmark asset is poised to be reimagined for the next generation.
