Queensberry is able to confirm that Cricket, the renowned independent designer boutique, has committed to the Metquarter Liverpool. Liverpool’s ultimate luxury retailer will take a 12,000 sq ft flagship store that will span two levels fronting the scheme over Whitechapel.
The much sought after store, which is relocating for the first time since 1991, is celebrated as the UK’s foremost, independent super-boutique and is renowned for its collections from the most revered fashion houses in the world. The exclusive new space will bring Cricket’s high-end runway collections and a diverse, contemporary product offering to the Metquarter with lines from Balenciaga, Celine, Valentino, Christian Louboutin and Versace. These will sit alongside 21st century must-haves from the likes of Virgil Abloh’s Off-White and Kanye West’s Yeezy. Founded by Justine Mills and Gerry Mannix almost three decades ago, it was voted in Vogue’s top 100 best shops outside London in 2013.
This news is hot on the heels of the opening of the new four screen Everyman Cinema, which marked the first phase of Metquarter’s relaunch in December following an 18 month long repositioning programme by Queensberry. The strategy has focussed on evolving the scheme into a premium retail and leisure destination in the heart of Liverpool. The reconfiguration has created 38 units including 3 retail anchor units, a restaurant hub and a four screen boutique cinema with 287 seats, as well as a bar and dining area.
Stuart Harris, Commercial Director and Co-founder of Queensberry, said: “We wanted to create an environment that would truly attract the best of the best to Metquarter, and Cricket signing is testament to the success of this approach. It is a great independent name famed for its incredible fashion insight and forward thinking approach and as a result enjoys impressive levels of customer loyalty and is a popular pick for many celebrities.”
Further bolstering the premium offer at the Metquarter, Kid’s Cavern has recently launched a 15,000 sq ft shop to anchor the ground floor of the scheme with great success. It offers a range of children’s wear and teenage clothing labels from 140 brands such as Lanvin, Chloe, Moncler and Givenchy. These new names will sit alongside an existing line up including Jo Malone, MAC Cosmetics, Jack Wills, Gieves and Hawkes and Kurt Gieger. In addition, Hugo Boss is upsizing its store and will open a new fully refurbished store over three levels in spring.
Queensberry has also recently agreed terms with premium food hall operator to take 16,000 sq ft of space. The new food quarter will open in early summer as the final stage of the repositioning and will house 10 food kitchens offering a range of global cuisines from a host of local and regional chefs.
Queensberry is asset manager and developer of the centre, and is joint owner alongside Bywater Properties. Queensberry was represented by Savills and BGP.
