A renowned brewery is opening a new bar in Liverpool in a move hoped to kick start an "independent vibe" in the city's Wolstenholme Square.
Seven Brothers is to open a 2,750sq ft bar in the Ropewalks location - and developers Elliot Group said the firm will be the first of a number of independent cafes, bars, restaurants and shops to be announced over the coming months.
Letting agent Nick Huddleston of CBRE says five additional units are "under negotiation", and that he expects further announcements shortly.
Salford brewery Seven Brothers is famous for making beer from Kellogg’s cast-off rice krispies.
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The firm's Keith McAvoy said: “We are delighted and extremely excited that Wolstenholme Square in Liverpool city centre is to be our first Seven Brothers Beerhouse outside of Salford. We can’t think of a better place than Liverpool that embraces all which Seven Brothers strives for – community, togetherness and family.”
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The £100m development includes 10 commercial units ranging in size from 474 sq ft to 2,314 sq ft.
Seven Brothers, or Seven Bro7hers, has combined neighbouring units to create a larger space and other operators are welcome to do the same, Mr Huddleston said.
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He added: “Elliot Group made a promise to ensure the scheme reflected the independent vibe of the neighbourhood and this first letting sets a great tone.
"Seven Bro7hers is a cracking brand and the other businesses that we’re in talks with will sit nicely alongside it."
The 470-apartment mixed-use scheme includes a new pedestrian route lined with retail units linking Wolstenholme Square with Seel Street. There are also a number of units facing the revamped square itself.
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The square, including its famous art installation, Penelope, is being completely refurbished with the help of Jorge Pardo, who designed the sculpture as part of Liverpool’s 2002 Biennial.
Mr Lawless, director of Elliot Group, said: “Right from the outset we said that this was a location for entrepreneurs to come and weave their magic.
“Liverpool is transforming into a city of independents and we can provide them a great home at cost-effective rents. We’re off to a great start with Seven Bro7hers and I’m looking forward to confirming other tenants shortly.”