The new HQ for Atlantic Container Lines (ACL) in Liverpool’s Duke Street has been recognised by the Manchester Society of Architects winning the Best Commercial Building category at the annual MA Awards.

The building, which is now emerging from its site, was designed by Manchester based DLA Design and will become the city’s first purpose-built shipping HQ since the development of the Grade II* listed India Buildings in 1924.

The Grade A, 62,000 sq ft building is being developed by property company and regeneration specialist Langtree, with construction delivered by Wates Construction. The distinctive four-storey building, which has a BREEAM Excellent rating, will complement the existing street scene while providing a modern and distinctive façade.

A Grimaldi Group Company, ACL’s 160 staff are currently based at Princes Dock but will move into the new HQ in 2016 following significant staff growth in recent years.

Ian Higby, ACL’s UK managing director, said:

“It is very pleasing to have the building recognised in this way and we’d like to add our congratulations to Langtree and the design team. The contractor is making excellent progress on site which changes on a daily basis. We look forward to the day when we can step inside our new home.”

Langtree’s development director, Stephen Barnes, said: “Our brief to the project team was to create a building that would bring new life and animation to Duke Street, whilst respecting its historic and cultural context.  This brief was further reinforced by the occupier ACL who has been a keen advocate throughout the design process.

“We are delighted that the team, led by DLA Design, has been recognised in this way and we look forward to seeing the design come to life on the ground over the coming months.”

DLA Design’s Director of Architecture, Jonathan Knowles said:

“We are delighted to see the scheme taking shape and gain international design recognition, through this design award win, for a complex and highly contextual solution. The design focusses on an appropriate choice of materials and component detailing that reflects the location within the Liverpool Maritime Merchantile City World Heritage Site and the Duke Street Conservation Area.”

The project has been supported with £2.82m ERDF grants and £1.38m Chrysalis funding, as a signal of growing confidence in the city’s maritime sector.

For more information, visit www.langtreegroupplc.co.uk

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