Architecture practice Studio RBA is relocating from the Liverpool suburbs to a city centre waterfront location to accommodate its growth

Liverpool architecture practice Studio RBA has announced a move to new offices on the Liverpool waterfront to accommodate its growth.

The firm has signed a five-year lease for a mezzanine suite at Edward Pavilion in the Royal Albert Dock with landlord CBRE. The 12-strong practice, founded in 2017, has moved from Wavertree Technology Park in the east of the city.

It has enjoyed a number of recent successes, including planning permission for a 300-unit apartment scheme on St Anne Street in Liverpool for developer SEP and the new Baltic Hotel in Liverpool for operator Living Brick.

“We have been growing steadily and needed to provide more space and facilities for colleagues and clients,” said managing director Kenny McNaughton. “It’s a testament to a talented and hard-working team and we’re delighted to be in our new home with a view of the water.

“It’s a great location and we’re pleased to be playing our part in reinhabiting the city centre. Those who predicted the death of the office didn’t seem to factor in creative businesses such as ours for whom the sharing and testing of ideas is core to what we do.  Having a great office is a key ingredient of our creativity.”

CBRE acted for Studio RBA on the transaction. Neil Kirkham, director at CBRE, was sole letting agent for the landlord and says the move demonstrates the enduring appeal of the Royal Albert Dock.

He added: “The dock has undergone a transformation in terms of its leisure and retail offer towards a more bespoke, artisan offering, broadening its appeal to office occupiers.  Attracting creative businesses such as Studio RBA validates that strategy completely.”