An application has been lodged by Cert Property to convert the 57,000 sq ft heritage building and former Bibby Line HQ in Liverpool’s Ropeworks district into a hub for the technology sector.
Insider Media reported that Manchester-based Cert purchased the four separate buildings at 91 and 105 Duke Street, the latter of which is Liverpool’s grade two-listed former public library, from Bibby Line Group for an undisclosed sum in December 2019.
Bobby line, a family-owned marine business, had occupied the property as it’s headquarters for a quarter of the century, but since relocated to new premises at Walker House, as part of the wider 360,000 sq ft Exchange Flags scheme in Liverpool’s city centre.
Cert has now submitted a listed building application to Liverpool City Council to convert the property into modern office space for technology businesses. The property has been renamed ‘Duke & Parr’ in its new role as a creative workspace, and interior designer Sheila Bird Group have been appointed to develop branding and design.
Cert said it aims to “refurbish the collection of properties…[to] embrace the history and character of the building, with its historic fabric exposed and celebrated as part of the scheme.”
105 Duke Street was Liverpool’s first Public Library between 1852-60 and was grade II listed in 1975. It was later extended and became part of a warehouse belonging to Peter Walker in 1865.
Howard Lord, managing director of Cert Property, said: “The property has so many different elements to it, having been comprised of four different buildings around an amazing central atrium, which gives us the opportunity to create something really unique as a destination for people to work and play.
“We have some exciting plans and look forward to releasing more details of these plans in due course.”
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