Location

Oriel Chambers couldn’t be better placed to access the best that Liverpool has to offer.

Turn right out of the building, and you are a few steps away from Liverpool’s iconic waterfront, with the Three Graces, Pier Head, Albert Dock and more. Turn left, and you are quickly surrounded by an abundance of excellent cafes, restaurants and bars around Castle Street.

The fantastic Liverpool One and Church Street shopping areas are a five-minute stroll away, while those looking for more tranquil surrounds can find them to the rear of Oriel Chambers in the stunning gardens of Our Lady and St Nicholas Church, with its inner city green space and views of the waterfront.

James Street and Moorfields stations are both a few minutes’ walk away, offering connections to the entire Merseyrail network, as well as LimeStreet Station and national rail services, while the city’s extensive bus network also runs close by.

Did you know? Martins Bank on Water Street is set to become the first ever 5* hotel in the city. Plans are in place to convert the building into a 227-bedroom luxury hotel with associated bars, restaurants and a spa.

Description & Specification

Oriel Chambers is a uniquely historic yet contemporary destination for businesses in the heart of Liverpool’s commercial district.

Following a recent refurbishment, this Grade 1-listed building achieves a rare marriage of opulent heritage and intelligent modernity and it is this synergy which has attracted a range of creatively-minded, entrepreneurial companies to call it their home.

Located on the city’s magnificent Water Street, it is just metres away from Liverpool’s world famous waterfront and within easy reach of excellent restaurants, bars, shopping and transport links.

The ultra-flexible range of spaces on offer, ranging from 100 to 6,000 sq ft, makes Oriel Chambers an ideal base for start-ups and SMEs of any shape or size aiming to make their mark on the Liverpool city region.

History

Designed by architect Peter Ellis and completed in 1864, the Grade I-listed Oriel Chambers quickly became an architectural benchmark for its contemporaries around the globe.

It was one of the world’s first steel-framed, glass curtain walled buildings and provided the inspiration behind several iconic 1880s American skyscrapers in cities such as New York and Chicago.

Since Bruntwood became the custodian of Oriel Chambers in 2006, we have set about breathing new life into the building while preserving its Victorian beauty, including the definitive oriel windows, which bring an abundance of natural light and character to every space.

The ground floor has been the home of Oriel Chambers Barristers since 1965 and they were the inspiration behind what is undoubtedly one of the grandest entrances in the city.

The full-length corridors act as a natural divide, creating a range of spaces in all different shapes and sizes; it is these smaller more characterful spaces that have attracted the likes of MgMa and Peace of Mind to the building.

Did you know? Architect Peter Ellis was only known for one other building. 16 Cook Street in Liverpool was the world’s second building to follow the same architectural model as Oriel, just one year later.

Looking to the future

Oriel Chambers has undergone a significant yet sympathetic refurbishment in recent years, emphasising its natural assets of light and space and preserving its originality.

A highlight of the £500,000 works is the transformation of the fifth floor into a contemporary breakout and meeting space known as the Lookout, with views across the Liverpool skyline, while the reception area has undergone a major refurbishment.

The original cast iron columns and barrel vaulted ceilings can be seen throughout all five floors and these have been paired with traditional furniture and décor.

The corridors have become exhibition spaces for pieces of work by local artists, underlining the creative mix of businesses in the building and giving each floor a personality of its own.

A number of bespoke new suites, ranging from 150 sq ft to 1,100 sq ft, have been established as part of the work, in addition to several new communal spaces, which add to the existing sense of community here.

At a mere 153 years old, Oriel Chambers is looking ahead to a bright future.

Did you know? Water Street was originally known as Bank Street and is one of Liverpool’s original seven streets, dating back more than 800 years. The other streets were Dale St, Chapel St, Castle St, Moor St (now Tithebarn St), Juggler St (now High St) and Whiteacre St (now Old Hall St).

Flexibility

To the rear of Oriel Chambers is a section that was destroyed by a bomb in the Second World War and was subsequently rebuilt and extended in the 1960s by architects James & Bywaters.

The more modernist interpretation of the classic window bays and the layout of this area offer a distinct look and feel to the rest of the building.

It is here that we have developed a brand new suites scheme offering ultimate levels of flexibility to suit the requirements of any SME or start-up business.

Each floor is divided by a central corridor and the spaces at either side can be split to provide entirely bespoke spaces ranging in size from 150 sq ft to 1,100 sq ft, complemented by new toilet and kitchen facilities, contemporary meeting rooms and breakout spaces.

Rateable Value

All costs quoted are for indicative purposes only and all all interested parties should rely on their own enquiries with the local authority.

VAT

All prices, outgoings and rentals quoted are exclusive of VAT, but may be liable at prevailing rate. Further information on request.

Legal Costs

Unless otherwise stated all parties to bear their own legal costs.

EPC

Energy performance certificate is available on request.