Bruntwood begins next phase of Cotton Exchange refurbishment

Bruntwood is embarking on the latest phase of its long-term refurbishment of the Cotton Exchange in Liverpool.

The historic building, once the nerve centre of the global cotton industry, has been carefully restored and transformed over the past four years into a contemporary development that is now home to many of the city’s most successful creative businesses.

Several new communal spaces have been created through the works, including a rooftop garden, bicycle store and The Old Hall events space, attracting innovative firms such as Studio Mashbo, Meet & Potato, De Winter and Kaleidoscope in the process.

The next phase involves the refurbishment of two consecutive spaces, known as Colonnades, on the first and second floors that originally housed the building’s cotton trading hall prior to its partial demolition in the 1960s. This work involves excavating and restoring a series of pillars, coving and statues that once adorned its ceiling.

Work is also being undertaken to deliver a new top floor office space with access to its own 2,500 sq ft roof terrace boasting views across the city, in addition to a newly modernised 3,600 sq ft office space on the sixth floor.

This latest phase will coincide with the arrival of award-winning Liverpool business Leaf, which is due to open a new bar, restaurant and events venue on the ground floor later this year.

Colin Forshaw, head of property at Bruntwood, said: “When Bruntwood first assumed control of the Cotton Exchange in 2007, we did so with a clear understanding of the responsibility that goes with owning one of Liverpool’s most important buildings.

“Over the past four years, in particular, we have gone about modernising every aspect of the building while showcasing what makes it so special, unearthing some long-forgotten architectural gems along the way.

“We have also given our customers licence to develop their own unique spaces, which has certainly added to the organic fabric of the building we see today.

“The next phase of work will aim to continue that process, combining historic features with bundles of contemporary touches to cement the Cotton Exchange as the first-choice address for fresh and upcoming businesses in the heart of the Commercial District.”