Atlantic Container Lines (ACL) have started work on the first purpose-built shipping company HQ in the Liverpool City Region in ninety years, since the development of the India Buildings in 1924.

The headquarters for ACL, in Duke Street, has been brought forward by the property group Langtree, who have appointed Wates Construction to handle the structural work.

ACL’s staff of over 150 employees are currently based at Princes Dock but will soon make the move into their new home at 86-90 Duke Street in 2016.

The building will be constructed opposite The Monro pub, on the site of derelict buildings on the corner of Duke Street and Henry Street, with the work involving the demolition of 86-90 Duke Street, 71 Henry Street and 14 Suffolk Street. However, the facade of the Vinegar Works on Henry Street will be retained.

The proposals have caused unrest with the English Heritage group who were hesitant to see the demolition of 86 Duke Street, claiming that the plans represented a “substantial level of harm to the city’s designated heritage assets”.

The project has been jointly supported with a £2.82 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and a £1.38 million loan from the Chrysalis Fund, which is designed to kick start property schemes.

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

“We have been growing for some years and the time is right to develop our own HQ in the city. We have created around 50 new jobs this year alone and this new building will give us the space to grow further.

“We are centralising a lot of activity in Liverpool. We have brought work here from North America and Europe, and there is no doubt Liverpool is a great city for maritime. Langtree has been enormously helpful in facilitating our move, and we’re also very grateful for the support we’ve received from the City, the LEP and from the Regional Growth Fund.

“The building will provide superb accommodation for the business and sends a clear message regarding our commitment to our staff and to Liverpool. We will also be seeking occupiers for the balance of the space and are confident that there will be strong interest to take this up.”

The new four-storey building was designed by DLA Architects. ACL is part of Grimaldi, the Italian shipping group.

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Words: Peter Cribley