Costa Coffee has been announced as the second tenant in the former Rat and Parrot pub in Liverpool’s Queen Square by developer Promenade Estates.

The British multinational coffeehouse has agreed to a 10-year lease for a 1,800 sq ft unit in the building, meaning the ground floor will be fully let. American burger-joint Five Guys was the first tenant to open in December last year and was the company’s second most successful opening worldwide.

Work has started on site at the unit, with Costa Coffee due to open by 13 February.

Costa Coffee is the second largest coffeehouse chain in the world, behind Starbucks. It is the latest tenant to sign up to the new retail and leisure site in the former Rat and Parrot building which is undergoing a £1 million refurbishment by developer Promenade Estates.

Promenade announced the £1m project to convert the 14,500 sq ft building into three units in July 2015, designed by DK Architects and led by contractors W H Snow.

Savills acted on behalf of Promenade Estates for the deal.

Daniel Hynd, director of Promenade Estates, says:

“Costa Coffee is a strong brand, and the fact it is the second largest coffeehouse chain the world means it is great addition to the café culture of Queen Square and will serve the millions of visitors to this area of the city.”

“We’re excited for the year ahead as we prepare to announce the final tenant at Queen Square which will see our vision for the Rat and Parrot building come to fruition.”