Less than four years after signing an 11.5-year lease at CERT’s Duke & Parr, the Sony-owned firm is vacating the space and looking to sub-let the whole building.
The space is coming back to the market after Firesprite conducted an analysis of its workspace needs. It is understood staff who need a Liverpool base will be accommodated within Sony’s space on Old Hall Street.
The move comes after Sony announced in 2024 it would be cutting 8% of its global workforce, including Firesprite staff in Liverpool and London.
The 50,000 sq ft deal Firesprite inked in October 2022 was Liverpool’s largest for several years and followed CERT’s comprehensive refurbishment of the former Bibby Line HQ on Duke Street to create what is now branded Duke & Parr.
The project was supported by a £5m loan from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which CERT has repaid in full. CERT tried to sell the asset in 2023, seeking offers of £9.9m, but pulled the sale soon after.
Worthington Owen is marketing the space. Firesprite was contacted for comment.