Property round-up: Central Tech; Kimpton; Peel Waters; Barnfield Developments; Chillz; OP; Legat Owen; Napthens; Salford Council | TheBusinessDesk.com

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Five new innovation businesses have moved in at Sciontec's Central Tech innovation hub in Liverpool's Knowledge Quarter.

The new arrivals are located across the building's range of spaces, from bespoke private office spaces to dedicated single desks and co-working.

Among them is Genetix, which uses advanced gene sequencing methods to provide verified evidence on the health risks of mould and damp in UK homes and support enhanced safety legislation.

The Liverpool-based firm's new headquarters, in the first floor's premium office, will complement its existing laboratory space in Nottingham and active client engagement across the UK.

Innovation skills and training company, IN4Group, has taken a second floor space in the building, which it will use to co-ordinate its nationwide digital education programmes to improve fair access to technology and help drive prosperity.

It is joined by Inventya, which offers support to innovation companies including funding, finance and R&D tax credits to help bring their products and services to market in the UK and internationally.

Product design and development specialist Butters Innovation, which helps businesses to quickly progress their innovation ideas, has joined the Central Tech community, alongside Bond Bryan:Fairhursts, architectural specialists in world class environments for science, research and innovation, The practice has established a space in Liverpool to strengthen its national presence

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Kimpton has completed a major renovation of hospitality suites at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena.

The new high-end customised fit-out includes the creation of two new Premium Super Suites with capacity for 24 people, alongside 16 Premium Suites and four new Skyline Experience Suites, each accommodating 12 guests.

The Sodexo 'Live' lounge and private area have also received a bespoke upgrade resonating with the full VIP experience, while bathrooms, corridors, lifts and lobby areas of the arena's hospitality offering have been transformed to ensure guests enjoy a consistent, luxurious experience from the first moment.

M&S Bank Arena is part of the Arena & Convention Centre (ACC) Liverpool, where Kimpton also provides mechanical and electrical engineering and heating and ventilation services.

The Wirral-based firm took the lead in maximising the project's sustainability by donating materials, equipment and appliances to local charities, while completing the rolling 16-week fit-out programme to ensure minimal disruption to the arena's operations.

Phil Bowers, project manager at Kimpton, said: "This was a really exciting project for us to work on, delivering a truly transformative change in one of Liverpool's most iconic venues.

"The new suites create a more immersive experience for guests as they move between different spaces and enhance their visit, helping to reinforce M&S Bank Arena's status as a leading UK music and live events destination."

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Waterside regeneration specialists, Peel Waters, has gifted the Docklands Trail a two-year extension to its lease, ensuring the attraction will remain as an integral part of the Collingwood Dock community within Liverpool Waters while supporting their aspirations to expand their education and visitor offer.

Located between Everton FC's new Hill Dickinson Stadium and Central Docks, the Dockland's Trail has become a popular attraction for tourists, heritage groups, schools and local history enthusiasts, offering visitors the opportunity to step inside the dock walls and discover the vital role that Liverpool's northern docks played in powering Britain's industrial revolution.

The Docklands Trail is seeking funding to expand its exhibition spaces, with new themes including The History of Merseybeat and The Presence of the US Armed Forces in Merseyside during World War II.

Liza Marco, senior asset manager at Liverpool Waters, said: "Protecting, sharing and celebrating the rich history of Liverpool's docks is an important part of what we do at Liverpool Waters, and The Docklands Trail plays a key role in helping us achieve that. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience this unique window into our city's heritage."

Les Ellis, trustee of the Docklands Trail, said: "Our mission has always been to bring the history of Liverpool's docks to life for as many people as possible. With the continued support from Peel Waters and our growing education and visitor programmes, we're excited to continue developing The Docklands Trail, introducing new themes, and creating opportunities for both local communities and international visitors to engage with this unique part of our city's heritage."

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For the Kitchen (UK), a supplier of high end kitchen appliance brands to the UK and Ireland kitchen industry, has secured the lease of Unit 11 at Advance Point, a modern industrial development located on Rossendale Road, Burnley.

Unit 11, situated within the new Advance Point scheme developed by Barnfield Developments, offers high specification industrial and warehousing space tailored for modern businesses.

For the Kitchen (UK) plans to use the space to enhance its logistics and operational capacity, further supporting its growing UK and Ireland customer base.

Ryan Strange, For the Kitchen (UK) director, said: "This move is a key milestone for us. Securing Unit 11 gives us the space and infrastructure we need to streamline operations and better serve our customers. We're excited to be part of a vibrant business community at Advance Point."

Tracy Clavell-Bate, head of development and acquisition at Barnfield Developments, said: "Advance Point has been designed to accommodate ambitious and growing businesses, and it's fantastic to see companies like this choosing Burnley as a base for expansion. We look forward to seeing their continued success."

Advance Point is strategically located with excellent transport links to the M65 corridor.

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Chillz Restaurant Bar and Lounge, popular for its afro-infused cuisine, has revealed an exclusive first-look at what its stunning new venue is going to look like when it relocates into Manchester city centre later this autumn.

The new venue on Chapel Street, behind the National Football Museum, includes a 'showstopping' entrance-way providing access to a highly-instagrammable hanging chair affixed in front of eye-catching neon artwork featuring the word 'Italawa', - a popular West African Yoruba phrase translated as 'we are outside' meaning partying and good times.

Downstairs features intimate lighting, afro-inspired artwork, eucalyptus-clad walls and imposing pink flowered trees, creating two dining spaces for more than 100 guests.

Chillz owners, Tunde Onolaja (Tee) and Enitan Omolaja (Enny), announced last month the venue is moving into the city from its current premises on Oldham Road in Failsworth to meet growing demand for its afro-fusion cuisine and glamorous, vibrant atmosphere.

Tunde Onolaja said: "These CGIs provide just a glimpse into what our exciting new venue is going to offer Manchester city centre's burgeoning food and hedonistic night scene. Work is rapidly progressing to transform the existing building into the ambitious vision we have for our new decadent space."

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Office interior design consultancy, OP, has completed the refurbishment of Cooper Parry's Manchester office.

The six-week project has transformed 15,000 sq ft of existing office space, creating a workplace with a homely feel that brings elements of Manchester into the design.

The refurbishment features a business lounge welcome area with a lounging feel that leads to the client suite. The space includes east and west wings with predominantly open plan desking, and a north wing with a mixture of open plan desking and the Orangery, an extension of the social area featuring gaming facilities including pool table, darts and ping pong, paired with various seating settings.

The project has retained and celebrated the building's original features, including parquet flooring and exposed services. The design approach emphasised sustainability through extensive reuse of existing elements including desks, task chairs, existing glazing, and minimal new partitioning. The original parquet flooring was retained and polished, with repairs made where walls had been removed.

Room naming incorporates Manchester references developed with the client team, including meeting rooms called the Hacienda and the Mill. The design features Manchester's bee culture as you enter the business lounge area.

The project was completed while staff remained working in the building, with phasing across four areas to minimise disruption.

Emily Cowgill, designer at OP, said: "Our vision for Cooper Parry's Manchester office was to create a workspace that feels authentically connected to the city while maintaining the warmth and comfort of home."

Jo Giles, Cooper Parry head of facilities, said: " It looks fantastic and has been very well received by everyone in the office."

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Chester property agents, Legat Owen, has announced the letting of 106-110 Foregate Street, Chester to Co.Co Chester, a premier private hire venue known for hosting stylish and versatile events.

Acting on behalf of a private client, Legat Owen secured the lease for the 6,499 sq ft property, formerly occupied by bar group Revolution. The venue, located in the heart of Chester's vibrant city centre, offers a unique combination of bar and event space, making it ideally suited to Co.Co Chester's dynamic hospitality concept.

The owner of Co.Co Chester has been running the same brand in Liverpool for almost two years, where it has become a popular destination for birthday parties, as well as private events, celebrations and corporate functions.

The property benefits from a premises licence with extended operating hours and is situated among a strong mix of retail and leisure operators.

Tom Creer, associate director at Legat Owen, said: "Their arrival adds further energy to Foregate Street and supports the continued growth of Chester's hospitality scene. It's a great outcome for our client and the city."

Joe Mcmahon, of Co.Co Chester, said: "The former Revolution on Foregate Street is set to be transformed into Chester's first premier private hire venue, catering for all occasions seven days a week. We can't wait to show Chester what we have planned."

Co.Co Chester is expected to open in November following a bespoke fit-out.

Co.Co Chester was represented by Moore Property Consulting.

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Law firm Napthens has opened its new office in Manchester, marking a major milestone in the firm's strategic expansion across the North West.

The multi-disciplinary firm has taken an office located on the sixth floor of The Pinnacle Building on King Street, one of Manchester's most iconic addresses.

Spanning 2,600 sq ft within Bruntwood SciTech's newly refurbished development, the space has been designed to foster collaboration, flexibility, and innovation.

Stephen Faulkner, managing director at Napthens, said: "Opening our doors in Manchester is a proud moment for Napthens. This city represents opportunity, ambition, resilience and personality, values and traits that resonate deeply with our firm.

"We're excited to build new relationships, continue growing our team, and contribute to the vibrant business community here."

He added: "This expansion, in conjunction with our growth in Liverpool, the dedication to our foundations in Lancashire and Cumbria, along with our commitment to the communities around Southport and the Fylde Coast, reflect the firm's long term vision to deliver tailored legal solutions with a proud local footprint and regional strength."

The Manchester office will be home to a mix of existing Napthens colleagues and new recruits, with the firm actively hiring for additional roles to support its growing presence in the region.

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A new Selective Licensing Scheme has been approved for parts of Broughton, Kersal, and Broughton Park.

Councillors gave the green light to the scheme at Salford City Council's Cabinet meeting on September 23. Its primary aim is to improve the quality and management of privately rented housing in specified areas where issues have been identified.

The scheme will require landlords in the designated areas to obtain a licence to legally rent out properties. The base licence fee is £609 which is a one-off fee. Landlords who join the council's voluntary Accreditation scheme and apply in a timely manner can access a licence fee of just £390.

Licences will include a set of conditions designed to ensure homes are safe, well managed, and habitable.

Landlords must ensure their rental properties are safe and well maintained to keep them free from hazards like damp, mould, and structural defects. Licence holders are also required to take accountability for the condition and management of their properties, including responding to tenant complaints and maintaining proper records.

Failure to obtain a licence for a property that falls within the designated area or breach of licence conditions is a criminal offence and could result in a prosecution or fines of up to £30,000

The scheme will run for five years and builds on the success of a previous initiative that operated from 2016 to 2021.

Cllr Tracy Kelly, Deputy City Mayor and lead member for housing and anti-poverty at Salford City Council, said: "This scheme is here to improve housing standards for people who live in Broughton, Kersal and Broughton Park. In total it covers more than 1,300 homes.

"Local people have the chance to take part in a consultation on this and I would like to thank them for their views which have helped to shape this final policy."

She added: "Nobody should have to live in a rented property that is full of damp and mould and the Selective Licensing Scheme that we have agreed enables us to hold landlords to account.

"Legitimate landlords do not need to worry, it is poor property management that we are targeting."

The Housing Act 2004 allows local authorities to make Selective Licensing designation in their area provided that certain criteria are met.

The low housing demand criteria includes consideration of property values, and the turnover of occupiers of a residential premises.