All the news

Mason Owen Acquire Prime Distribution Warehouse for Iceland and Aviva

Investment

Acting on behalf of Iceland Foods Mason Owen has secured the occupational lease for a new 505,000 sq. ft state of the art cross-docked distribution warehouse situated on the Omega Business Park at Junction 8 of the M62, Bootle Merseyside.

The new facility will be delivered by Miller Developments and is due to be completed in Q4 2023. It will be Iceland’s largest distribution centre in the UK serving the North of England, North Midlands and Wales.

In addition, Mason Owen acted for Aviva Investors in acquiring the property for circa £90m.

James Stevens, head of real estate investment at Aviva Investors, said: “We are pleased to complete a deal which extends our programme of development across the UK, particularly on a high-specification asset in one of the country’s strongest logistics locations.

“The credentials and partnership with a high-quality developer and leading occupier serving an essential sector of the economy, give us confidence that it will deliver strong sustainable income returns over the long-term.”

Omega Business Park is one of the largest distribution parks in north-west England, comprising 575 acres of land. Once fully developed, it will provide approximately 5m sq. ft of logistics units.

Dunkin Donuts and Hays Travel open on Lord Street Liverpool

Retail

Mason Owen let 51 Lord Street to Dunkin Donut’s, this is their second Liverpool store which enjoyed a successful opening on 13th December 2022.

During the same month, a letting was completed with Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agent at 55 Lord Street.

Together with the recent opening of Popeyes this sees Lord Street continuing as one of the city centres busiest streets.

American Chicken Chain Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Opens in Liverpool

Retail

Mason Owen have let 59-61 Lord Street to the American Chicken Chain Popeyes which is their first North West store following a string of new openings across the UK. 

The restaurant opened its doors on 26th November with customers queuing from the night before.

The restaurant seats up to 116 people across the interior and exterior.

Founded in New Orleans in 1972 Popeyes is known for its New Orleans style menu and is owned by Restaurant Brands International Inc. one of the world’s largest fast food companies.

For further information please contact Peter Burke at peter.burke@masonowen.com

Domino Printing Services, Senate Park, Liverpool

Investment

Acting on behalf of Knight Frank Investment Management, Mason Owen has acquired the modern distribution warehouse let to Domino Printing Services for in excess of £24,000,000.

The unit comprises approximately 171,000 sq. ft on a site of 11 acres and was constructed in 2018.  It is a mission critical facility for Domino Printing who occupy the building by way of a long lease and have invested significant capital expenditure in the building.

Mason Owen delighted to be appointed

Asset Management

Mason Owen are delighted to be appointed as property managers of this new build industrial estate in Basildon by Festival Way Management Company Limited.

For further information please contact Callum McDougall at callum.mcdougall@masonowen.com

New Food Warehouse Acquisition in Derby

Retail

Mason Owen have acquired a unit on the Kingway Retail Park in Derby for the Food Warehouse which seen a successful opening in January.

This is the second store in Derby for the Food Warehouse.

For further information on this and other acquisitions for Food Warehouse please contact Andy Moore at andy.moore@masonowen.com

Greggs Lease Renewals

Asset Management

Mason Owen have successfully completed lease renewals for Greggs on their stores in Atherton, Moreton and Belle Vale, Liverpool.

For further information please contact Callum McDougall at callum.mcdougall@masonowen.com

Lease Renewal for Greggs

Asset Management

Mason Owen have successfully completed a lease renewal of the Greggs Handforth store.

For further information please contact Wayne Blount-Powell.

Partner of Mason Owen gives talk at LJMU

Asset Management

Wayne Blount-Powell enjoyed giving a talk on Friday 9th December to Liverpool John Moores University students on the topic of the 1954 Act lease renewal disputes and the merits of Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Lease Renewal at Heswall

Asset Management

Representing Chardsit Investments Ltd, Mason Owen UK have recently completed a lease renewal with Card Factory at 21a Pensby Road Heswall.

For further information please contact Callum McDougall at callum.mcdougall@masonowen.com

Successful Rent Review in Speke

Office

Representing The Southworth 2003 Life Settlement Mason Owen have successfully negotiated a rent review tih Hero UK Ltd

New Property Managers of St Hilary Retail Park Basildon

Asset Management

Mason Owen are delighted to be appointed as property managers of St Hilary Retail Park in Basildon (currently in construction) by existing client LXi REIT PLC

Many thanks to Simon Haarer and the LXI team.

Industrial Lease Renewals in Bootle

Asset Management

Acting on behalf of our clients, Atlantic Developments NW Limited, Mason Owen have recently negotiated lease renewals on industrial warehouses in Bootle with occupier, ODL Europe Limited.

For further information please contact Callum McDougall at callum.mcdougal@masonowen.com

Liverpool's River of Light

Asset Management

Celebrating Liverpool's River of Light exhibition in Liverpool - Evanescent is the installation at Exchange Flags, Liverpool, managed by Mason Owen.

Pizza Punks opens in Bold Street, Liverpool

Asset Management

Mason Owen are pleased to see Pizza Punks open at 30-32 Bold Street, Liverpool with an incredible opening record breaking first week.

30-32 Bold is managed by Sarah Bancroft - Mason Owen, if you require any further information please contact Sarah at sarah.bancroft@masonowen.com

Appointed Property Managers for Burlington House, Crosby

Asset Management

Mason Owen are delighted to be recently appointed as Property Managers of Burlington House in Crosby on behalf of the new freeholders, Tracey Investments Limited.

 https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/bruntwood-works-sells-burlington-house-for-5-8m/

For Further information please contact:

David McCallum

0151 242 3093

david.mccallum@masonowen.com

Epic Challenge for Managing Director of Mason Owen

General

Simon Bland, Managing Director of Mason Owen, took on the amazing challenge of Cure Parkinson’s Raid Alpine Charity Bike Ride which took place 3rd – 9th July.
The challenge departed from the shores of Lake Geneva and finished in Antibes, traversing 770km and 19,104m of vertical ascent across 6 days. That is over two times the height of Mount Everest.

Raising over £70,000 and rising, the proceeds will go to Cure Parkinson’s who are making great strides in their efforts to find a cure and repurposing drugs to alleviate and slow the progression of the disease. If you have not yet donated, there is still time and Simon’s Just Giving Page will remain open for a while longer: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simon-bland7

If you would like to take a look at a quick video with some highlights of the ride and a thank you from their patron, Mike Tindall.

https://youtu.be/NeCyK3fUu8k

Lease Renewal on behalf of Greggs

Asset Management

Mason Owen have successfully negotiated a lease renewal on the Thorncliffe House store in Manchester for our clients Greggs reflecting an annual rental saving of £7,400.

For further information please contact Callum McDougall

Letting to Tomorrows Women Wirral in Chester

Office

A great letting completed for Mason Owen client, Borco Limited, acting jointly with Will Sadler at Legat Owen.

Acting on behalf of Borco Limited we would like to welcome Tomorrow's Women Wirral to their new premises at 5 Upper Northgate Street, Chester.

Extending to just over 2,200 sq ft on 3 floors, the property will enable the company to continue to work in Wirral and newly expand into Cheshire West areas.

For further information please contact:

Mark Coulthurst

Successful Lease Renewal - Chester

Office

On behalf of a long standing property management client, Mason Owen have successfully completed a lease renewal at 4 Grosvenor Court, Chester with well known and established occupiers, Aaron & Partners LLP.

New stores for Greggs

Retail

Mason Owen continue to acquire units on behalf of Greggs.

Recent lettings include units at Central Station, Liverpool, The Mall, Blackburn and Manchester Airport World Terminal.

For further information on Greggs requirements please contact:

Callum McDougall or Andy Moore

Joint Statement - Mason Owen & Partners and Mason Owen Financial Services Ltd

General

This statement is made jointly on behalf of the Directors and Shareholders of Mason Owen & Partners Ltd and Mason Owen Financial Services Ltd.

We are pleased to be able to announce that with effect from 1st April 2022 Mason Owen & Partners Ltd has sold its majority shareholding in Mason Owen Financial Services Ltd and its subsidiary companies to the current management team of Andrew Gibbons (MD), Michael Longfellow, Keith Burn, Alex Bielinski and Samuel Gosney.

Both Mason Owen & Partners (Holdings) Ltd and Mason Owen & Partners Ltd will continue to retain a minority shareholding in Mason Owen Financial Services Ltd in order to reflect the fact that the two separate businesses will continue to work closely together, as they have since the insurance business was formed in 1988.

The sale heralds the fact that the two separate businesses have differing requirements in the future and thus it was felt that the best way that each of the businesses could thrive in their own specific markets, was to allow greater autonomy over future decision making.

Mason Owen & Partners Ltd has already taken strides to restructure its business, and this latest change is merely the next stage in the development plans it has to continue to grow.

In terms of Mason Owen Financial Services Ltd, following the acquisition of Business Insurance Services in 2019, and with some further changes in the business currently planned, the future opportunities can be developed more easily if independent of the Mason Owen group of companies.

The names of all businesses will remain unchanged and the new ownership structures will allow each business to flourish individually of the other, while still working closely together for mutual benefit.

Barry Owen, Chairman of the Mason Owen Group of companies said: “I am very proud of Andrew and the MBO team and look forward to their future with confidence.”

Simon Bland, Managing Director of Mason Owen & Partners said: “It has been a privilege to work with Andrew and his team over the last 22 years and see MOFS grow into the fantastic business it now is. We are thrilled to see MOFS progress into a predominantly management owned company and also to retain a minority interest that sees Mason Owen and Partners interests fully aligned for the next part of Andrew and his team’s journey.”

Andrew Gibbons, Managing Director of Mason Owen Financial Services Ltd said “We are delighted that as a management team we have been able to develop this business over the past 22 years to the point that we are at with the fabulous support of Barry Owen and everyone within the Mason Owen group of companies. We are tremendously excited that we will continue to grow the business with some new and exciting plans for development. We are also pleased that the Mason Owen Group will still retain an interest in the business to allow us both to take mutually advantageous opportunities in the future.

Mason Owen secures sale of new retail park for TCD Estates

Retail

Mason Owen, as an adviser to TCD Estates, have achieved an unconditional sale on Berwick-Upon-Tweed retail park, Loaning Meadows to LXi REIT who were represented by Prime Retail.

LXi REIT invests in UK commercial property assets and forward funded the retail park on a fixed price basis.

Construction company, Caddick Construction has now started work on phase one of the site, which will consist of 6 units, headlined by Aldi and Home Bargains.

Iceland, Greggs, Costa and KFC will be taking additional units on the prominent site which sits on the main A1 ring road around Berwick-upon-Tweed, adjacent to an existing retail development featuring Morrisons, Travelodge and McDonalds. The scheme will also include a rapid EV charging hub.

All units have been let on long leases with strong tenant covenants across robust sectors. Phase 1 is set to be completed later this year and will consist of over 55,000 sq ft in total.

TCD expect to begin Phase 2 of the development after the success of Phase 1. John Taylor, development director, TCD Estates said: ‘Construction commencement has already generated further retailer enquiries and we have concluded negotiations with another prime national retailer and hope to progress phase two immediately.’

Simon Bland, managing director, Mason Owen said: ‘We were delighted, together with Alasdair Coates of Coates Commercial to work with the team at TCD on the sale of Loaning Meadows to LXi REIT and achieve a successful outcome for this exciting new retail development. It is an excellent site which has attracted high demand for retailers and we will be looking to further secure retailers for Phase 2 of the development.’

Letting of Hotel on Castle Street, Liverpool

Leisure

On behalf of retained clients, Mason Owen acting jointly with Savills let this fully fitted hotel opportunity at 56-62 Castle Street to Treadstone 157 Limited on an over riding lease for a term of 35 years.

The property is a Grade II Listed former bank building situated in the heart of Liverpool Centre on Castle Street, an area considered to be one of the most popular restaurant and leisure destinations in the City given its proximity to key visitor attractions such as L1, Mathew Street and the Waterfront.

The ground floor restaurant is occupied by Neighbourhood Bar & Restaurant

For information on further hotel and leisure opportunities please go to www.masonowen.com

Launch of Treasury Management Service, Securing Screwfix as first client

Asset Management

Mason Owen has announced the launch of a new treasury management service to clients -  with Screwfix confirmed as the Liverpool based property firm’s first client for this service. Mason Owen will oversee the treasury management over the Trade Counter Operators 700 plus UK and Republic of Ireland portfolio.

Mark Williams, Asset Management Director, Mason Owen explained: ‘We have a thriving and busy asset management division and treasury management will sit naturally alongside this service. We have always sought to innovate and adapt our offering so this is an organic step for Mason Owen – founded on our knowledge of the landscape, our work on behalf of landlord clients and the close contacts we enjoy with national retail tenants.’

He added: ‘We are delighted to welcome Screwfix as our first client and looking forward to delivering an excellent service for them. In this ever-changing world, treasury management will become an increasingly important provision, allowing businesses the space to focus on their business goals.’

New Flagship Store in Liverpool

Retail

Acting initially on behalf of the landlord in connection with a lease renewal, terms were subsequently agreed with Vodafone to amalgamate their unit, with a former Bon Marche unit on Williamson Street, on the basis of a new 10 year lease at an initial rent of £405,000 pax.

The transaction underlines Vodafone’s renewed commitment, in an expanded flagship store, to the prime pitch of Church Street.

For further information contact Peter Burke (07798 576790) or Wayne Blount-Powell (07887 822537)

Mason Owen Appointed as Property Managers & Letting Agents for Echo Place

Retail

Mason Owen has been appointed to property manage a new Liverpool development – Echo Place which will house premium office space, retail and a hotel. In addition, Mason Owen has been retained as letting agents on the ground floor commercial units.

Echo Place is the redevelopment of Old Hall Street, which for many years was the home of the Liverpool Echo. The development is set to complete in 2021. Echo Place will accommodate 68,000 sq ft of office space, retail units and a 207-bedroom Melia hotel, complete with a sky bar on the 17th floor. Sony Interactive are set to relocate 500 staff from Wavertree Technology Park who will occupy three floors of the former newspaper building.

Mark Williams, director of Asset Management, Mason Owen, leads the 20-strong property management team. He said: ‘Echo Place is set to become a brilliant  reimagining of an important and historic Liverpool institution. We are delighted to manage what will become an excellent asset for the city - Grade A office space, as well as leisure and retail, in arguably one of the best locations, within easy reach of the city and waterfront.’  He added, ‘Echo Place will become an important part of Mason Owen’s portfolio, which stretches nationally and encompasses all sectors.’

Allie Bainbridge, associate partner within the Retail / Leisure Agency team at Mason Owen said: ‘We are excited to be working on Echo Place, which will provide prominent commercial units suitable for a variety of uses within the heart of Liverpool’s Commercial District. We look forward to working closely with our new client in finding new long term, quality operators.’

Echo Place is one of over sixty Liverpool City Region properties managed by the Mason Owen team. This figure is rapidly expanding over the short to medium term with an additional focus on Manchester and across the North West region. Mason Owen’s asset management team oversee a national portfolio of assets valued at over £1 billion.

Derby Food Warehouse Opens

Retail

Mason Owen acted on behalf of Iceland Foods Limited in acquiring a new unit for the Food Warehouse fascia in Derby on Wyvern Retail Park.

A 10 year lease was taken on the 15,000 sq ft former Mothercare unit which received an upgraded front elevation as part of the agreement.

Acquiring agent Andy Moore commented “We have been looking for space in Derby for some time and I believe this will be a sucessful location for Food Warehouse. If the strength of Food Warehouse’s other recent openings are anything to go by, we may be adding a second site to Derby shortly. I wish the new store manager Luke and his team all the best and I am delighted to be able to play part in creating 30 new jobs, especially given the current economic climate.”

Ideas for any new locations to Andy.Moore@masonowen.com or 07917 422348

New Co-op Foodstore in Dorchester

Asset Management

Landlord and Tenant

A new Co-op food store opened in early August occupying 7,735 sq. ft. in Dorchester.

The unit was formed out of a larger Co-op store, with the vacated space being handed-back to the landlord.

For further information, please contact:

Wayne Blount-Powell

0151 242 3074
wayne.blount-powell@masonowen.com

Sale of Wet 'n' Wild Waterpark - North Shields

Investment

Acting on behalf of Alternative Income REIT, Wet 'n' Wild in North Shields has been sold to a Serco group subsidiary for £3.2 m.

Steve Smith, chairman of Alternative Income REIT, said: "We are pleased to have completed the disposal of the Wet 'n' Wild water park asset at a significant premium to acquisition cost and book value, enabling the group to recycle the proceeds into an accretive investment in short order."

Simon Bland, managing director of Mason Owen, added: "We were delighted to work with the team at M7 on the sale of the water park for Alternative Income REIT and achieve a successful outcome that generated a positive uplift on the purchase price, a premium on the book value and an attractive six per cent exit yield even during such challenging times that was ahead of the acquisition yield."

Three new stores for The Food Warehouse

Retail

On behalf of retained clients, Iceland, Mason Owen have acquired three new stores for The Food Warehouse in

• Lakeside Retail Park, Scunthorpe
• Parsonage Retal Park, Leigh
• New Ellesmere Approach, Walkden

For further information on The Food Warehouse acquisition program please contact Peter Burke on 0151 242 3140 or peter.burke@mason owen.com

Completion of Quest, Liverpool

Retail

We are pleased to announce the completion of works on Quest hotel Liverpool. The hotel is the first UK property for the 170-strong portfolio of Australian aparthotel operator Quest.

Mason Owen was instrumental in letting the 2nd to 6th floors of 58-72 Church Street to the Australian operator on behalf of retained clients, Vabeld. We have also helped to manage the yearlong £10m renovation process alongside Quest, WYG and Grahams who were the main contractor.

The apartment hotel complex comprises 100 serviced apartments, reception, conference room and gym and is centrally located next to Liverpool One.

Simon Bland, managing director, Mason Owen said: ‘Quest is a brilliant addition to the Liverpool hotel stock – it offers design-led, comfortable accommodation at an accessible price in arguably the best location in the city for both corporate and leisure visitors. The city continues to enjoy a consistently strong hotel demand - just one of the many reasons Quest chose Liverpool to open its inaugural UK hotel.’
He added: ‘The trend for the aparthotel model is propagating quickly globally as hotel users are looking for something that sits in between a traditional hotel offering, with onsite service and facilities, combined with the self-catering nature and privacy of an Airbnb or traditional apartment let. We expect to see operators like Quest enjoy strong occupancy levels.’

New Iceland Food Warehouse for North Wales

Retail

A new Food Warehouse opened on 1st October occupying 12,500 sq ft next to Home Bargains.

This is a redevelopment of the former Kwik Save neighbourhood centre which was vacant for several years and is a positive endorsement for the retal prospects of Mold.

For further information please contact Peter Burke on 0151 242 3140 or peter.burke@masonowen.com

New TSB opens on Lord Street Liverpool

Retail

81/83 Lord Sreet Liverpool L2 6PG

TSB have relocated on Lord Street to new flagship premises adjacent to H&M.

The premises extend to approximately 390 sq m with 100 sq m in the basement.

The redevelopment of this space for TSB is part of the landlords (Vabeld) continuing investment on Lord Street following the refurbishment of the former BHS for H&M.

Vabeld will commence works in the new year for the adjoining space.

Vabeld was represented by Mason Owen and TSB were represented by CBRE.

The Food Warehouse open their 100th Store in Blackpool

Retail

The Food Warehouse opened their 100th store in under 5 years at Blackpool Retail Park in July 2019 advised by Mason Owen.

- The Food Warehouse occupy 1.2m sq.ft.

- Created a £600m turnover business in 5 years 

- Added nearly 1,000 new jobs 

- Looking to open a store every week for the next 5 years

The Food warehouse have an ongoing requirement for more stores throughout the UK - see link below

The Food Warehouse Requirement

Mason Owen Appointed as Property Managers for Exchange Flags

Asset Management

Having assisted on the purchase of the £68m of Exchange Flags for Ashtrom Properties UK. Mason Owen announced today, it will property manage the city’s landmark building which houses premium office space, retailers and restaurants.

Exchange Flags is one of the thirty-seven current Liverpool properties, totalling over £250m, manged by the Mason Owen team. The team manage a national portfolio valued at over £600m.

Mark Williams, director of Asset Management, Mason Owen, leads the 20-strong property management team. He said: ‘Exchange Flags is iconic within the city, not only as brilliant office space, but increasingly a smart place for leisure businesses and cultural organisations to position themselves. We’ll continue to make improvements to the space, making sure the offices offer an innovative, modern place to work to fill the demand in the city. Also, by maintaining and building a unique leisure offering - in the incomparable Neoclassical surroundings.’

He added, ‘Exchange Flags is an important component of our national portfolio, and an exciting instruction for the team. We look forward to the opportunity to further showcase our ability to manage high profile multi-faceted properties.

Ashtrom Properties UK chief executive Guy Lewinsohn said: "We are delighted to have Mason Owen as our property managers for Exchange Flags. We look forward to working closely with Mason Owen alongside our tenants at Exchange Flags. We see a bright future for the Liverpool commercial office market in the short as well as long term and excited to be part of it moving forward."

Mason Owen begin 2019 with a £14 million deal completed for Palace Capital on One Derby Square, Liverpool

Investment

Mason Owen, acting for Palace Capital Plc, has completed on a £14M deal facilitating the freehold interest of One Derby Square, Liverpool for the property investment company.

The imposing property is situated in the heart of Liverpool and has extensive frontages onto Lord Street and Castle Street, as well as Derby Square. With an area of 70,000 sqft comprising six retail and one leisure unit on the ground floor and 47,500 sq. ft of offices across four further floors, it currently produces a net income of circa £1.0M pa and is occupied by tenants including: Pret a Manger, Tesco, Medicash, Reed Specialist Recruitment and Brook Street (UK).

Australian Hotel Group chooses Liverpool for first UK development

Leisure

On behalf of retained clients, Vabeld, Mason Owen agreed the letting of the 2nd to 6th floors of 58-72 Church Street, Liverpool to Quest Apartment Hotels.

Quest are the largest aparthotel brand in Australasia, and have chosen Liverpool to open its first UK site in July/August this year. The £10m Quest Liverpool City Centre will feature a 100-bedroom serviced aparthotel located next to the Liverpool One retail complex. It will be the group’s first property outside of Australasia and will also feature a conference room and gym.

For further information please contact Simon Bland on 0151 242 3041 or simon.bland@masonowen.com

H&M to open new store in Liverpool

Retail

Liverpool - 69-79 Lord Street L2 7PG

H&M have agreed to take the former BHS store on Lord Street in Liverpool following a multimillion pound refurbishment including a new shopfront and front elevation by the landlords, Vabeld.

“We are delighted to be opening a brand new store in Lord Street. This relocation from Church Street is a great opportunity to be able to offer our Liverpool customers an even better shopping experience and we are confident this new store will offer exactly that.” says Toni Galli, H&M’s Country Manager for UK & IE.

The new store offers full Ladies, Divided, Mens, Baby, Kidswear, Home and Beauty concepts.

Mason Owen represented the landlord’s (Vabeld) in this transaction. H&M were unrepresented.

Fashionable Letting in Carlisle ...

Retail

Acting on behalf of private landlord clients, Mason Owen have recently let 23/25 English Street, Carlisle to Joules.

The property comprises 1,970 sq ft on ground floor with upper floor ancillary accommodation and terms were agreed for a new 10 year full repairing and insuring lease.

For further details contact Gary Turner on 0151 242 3029 or gary.turner@masonowen.com

News Flash!!

Investment

Mason Owen acting on behalf of a new, private client have sold Lease Direct Finance’s head offices in Ewloe to overseas investors for £1,900,000. 

Andrew Scott, Partner in the Investment team at Mason Owen commented “we were pleased to complete the sale for our new client after another agency failed to sell the property in 2017. The sale illustrates the continuing demand in the investment market for well-located and well-secured investment opportunities.”

Should you have any properties to sell or are seeking investment opportunities please contact the investment department at Mason Owen on 0151 242 3000

Greggs on Retail Parks

Retail

As part of their expansion programme Greggs are now acquiring newly developed pod units on retail parks.

On their behalf, Mason Owen have agreed terms to take a number in the North West including Greyhound Retail Park, Chester; Kingston Retail Park, Rochdale; Parsonage Retail Park, Leigh and Marina Quay, Rhyl.

For further information on Greggs expansion programme please contact:

Gary Turner
0151 242 3029
gary.turner@masonowen.com

5 New Tenants Sign Up at The Albert Dock

Retail

Acting on behalf of Aberdeen Standard Investments, 5 new exciting tenants are due to open in Summer 2018, taking the regeneration of this asset a huge step forward.

Liverpool favourite, Lunya, will be opening their smaller concept of their deli & tapas restaurant called Lunya Lita and Rosa's Thai Cafe will open their first restaurant outside of London. Escape Hunt will open an "Escape Room" themed leisure attraction, which will appeal to all and Made in Liverpool will be re-locating their HQ to an office suite on The Colonnades.

On the retail side, Liverpool based Leather Satchel Co. have opened their first UK store which will be called Henshaw's Leather Workshop, offering bespoke and premium Leather products.  

For further details please contact: Allie Bainbridge on 0151 242 3141 or allie.bainbridge@masonowen.com

Major Investment Purchase ....

Investment

Acting on behalf of Legal and General (LGIM Real Assets) Mason Owen have advised on the acquisition of India Buildings in Liverpool city centre for £125 million.

The Grade II Listed building comprises 500,000 sq ft and is a landmark of the city.  It is currently undergoing major refurbishment works in advance of occupation by HMRC in 2019.  The Government department will occupy 270,000 sq ft for 3,500 staff.

For full details of this transaction and all matters relating to property investment please contact:

Simon Bland

0151 242 3041

simon.bland@masonowen.com

Supreme Court Victory for Mason Owen Client

Business Rates

Mason Owen have provided advice to Iceland in respect of a ground breaking decision in the Supreme Court.

The dispute rested on whether or not the air handling systems in Iceland's shops should be subject to assessment for business rates. The decision has implications across their portfolio of 900 stores.

For full details on the case and all matters relating to Business Rates contact:

Paul Moran

0151 242 3032

paul.moran@masonowen.com

Olympic Performance

Industrial

Mason Owen are pleased to announce the recent letting of a modern hybrid light industrial unit located on Olympic Park in Aintree.  The unit comprising of 5,972 sq.ft. has been let on a new 10 years FRI lease.

For further information on this transaction contact and general industrial property enquiries contact:

Louis Holt

0151 242 3145

louis.holt@masonowen.com

Rent Review Success ...

Asset Management

Acting on behalf of retained landlord client Vabeld UK Limited, Mason Owen have negotiated a significant increase at rent review on premises at 14-22 Paradise Street, Liverpool, occupied by Halifax.  With effect from January 2017 the rent has increased from £397,500 pa (£195 psf Zone A) to £475,000 pa (£237.50 psf).

For further information on this transaction, or how we might help you with your rent reviews or lease renewals contact:

Wayne Blount-Powell

0151 242 3074

wayne.blount-powell@masonowen.com

Major new property management instruction

General

Located in Liverpool, Chester and Sheffield advice was initially provided in respect of the purchase of the portfolio.  A focus will now be placed on refurbishing the existing space and reception areas in order to secure lettings of the vacant parts to maximise income.   Ongoing advice will also be provided in respect of professional and property management matters to ensure the portfolio reaches its full potential.

For further information contact

Mark Williams

0151 242 3076

mark.williams@masonowen.com

Food Warehouse Grows....

Retail

Acting on behalf of retained clients Iceland, Mason Owen have recently acquired a number of new stores for The Food Warehouse in ORMSKIRK - The Hattersley Centre; ELLESMERE PORT - Port Arcades Shopping Centre; MANCHESTER - White City Retail Park; LINCOLN - Lindis Retail Park; HULL – Anlaby Retail Park; BARNSLEY – Peel Retail Park; NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE – Kingston Retail Park; BIRKENHEAD – The Rock Retail Park; and BIRMINGHAM – Stechford Retail Park

The Food Warehouse are actively seeking further opportunities – for a full list of their requirements please contact::

Peter Burke (0151 242 3140 / 07798 576790) peter.burke@masonowen.com or Andy Moore (0151 242 3152 / 07917 422348) andrew.moore@masonowen.com

Investment Acquisition

Investment

Acting on behalf of a private client, Mason Owen have acquired two retail warehouse units situated on the fringe of Chester city centre - following a competitive bidding process. The properties form part of an award winning retail development incorporating a flagship Waitrose store and generate a passing rent of £102,200 per annum.

For further information on this transaction and general property investment enquiries please contact Andrew Scott on 0151 242 3000 or email andrew.scott@masonowen.com.

Bromborough Industrial Space

Industrial

Mason Owen have recently let Unit 6 Woodway Court, a well-positioned modern light industrial unit on the Croft Business Park, Bromborough.  The property, comprising of 4,729 sq ft, was Let to SFL Mobile Radio Limited on a new 5 year lease.

For further details on this letting or any enquiries for industrial accommodation please contact Louis Holt - 0151 242 3145 / louis.holt@masonowen.com