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  • Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley Announces Expansion of Drones and Facial Recognition Technology – News and Statistics – IndexBox

    Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley Announces Expansion of Drones and Facial Recognition Technology – News and Statistics – IndexBox


    Jun 24, 2026

    The head of London’s Metropolitan Police has unveiled plans to broaden the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles and facial recognition systems throughout the city. In remarks delivered on Wednesday, Commissioner Mark Rowley cautioned that criminal activity is transforming rapidly, with many offenders shifting to digital platforms. He noted that these individuals are employing more sophisticated, faster, and better-connected tools than in the past. To combat this escalating challenge, Rowley asserted that law enforcement must embrace new technologies and advocated for fewer regulatory hurdles prior to their adoption.Rowley highlighted drones and facial recognition as especially critical to the Met’s future law enforcement capabilities. Drones can aid police in pursuing suspects, locating missing individuals, and collecting real-time intelligence to assist officers on the ground. Rowley stated that the Met will enlarge its drone initiative and aims to have drone coverage across every London borough by June 2027. He also expressed a desire to collaborate with London’s emergency services, including the London Fire Brigade, to establish a citywide drone network for first responders, ideally utilizing shared infrastructure that spans the entire metropolis.The Metropolitan Police employs facial recognition software to help officers identify individuals on watchlists in real time. The technology is also used to verify the identity of those who give false information or who are unconscious or injured and cannot communicate. Rowley reported that this technology has resulted in over 2,000 arrests since 2024. He announced that the force will now introduce stationary live facial recognition cameras, which will be mounted on street fixtures and overseen remotely. These cameras can be relocated to the most active crime zones, and Rowley indicated that the plan for the coming year is to extend their installation across London.UK civil liberties organization Big Brother Watch has condemned the use of these technologies. The group has described facial recognition systems as invasive, biased, and undemocratic, and has claimed that their application is expanding uncontrollably. Silkie Carlo, the group’s director, has also characterized drones as an extreme and militarized surveillance tool. She argued that police employing drones to monitor and issue commands to the public is often excessive and counterproductive, and urged Parliament to implement stricter regulations to limit their use.

    1. INTRODUCTION
    Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

    REPORT DESCRIPTION
    RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND THE AI PLATFORM
    DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
    GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS

    2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
    A Quick Overview of Market Performance

    KEY FINDINGS
    MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional EditionPRO

    3. MARKET OVERVIEW
    Understanding the Current State of The Market and its Prospects

    MARKET SIZE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
    CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
    MARKET FORECAST TO 2035

    4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCTS FOR DIVERSIFICATION
    Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

    TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
    BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
    MOST CONSUMED PRODUCTS
    MOST TRADED PRODUCTS
    MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT

    5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES
    Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

    TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
    TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
    TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
    LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES

    6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS
    Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Export

    TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
    TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
    UNSATURATED MARKETS
    TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
    MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS

    7. PRODUCTION
    The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

    PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
    PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)

    8. IMPORTS
    The Largest Import Supplying Countries

    IMPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
    IMPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
    IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)

    9. EXPORTS
    The Largest Destinations for Exports

    EXPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
    EXPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
    EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)

    10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS
    The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

    11. COUNTRY PROFILES
    The Largest Markets And Their Profiles
    This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition
    PRO
    11.1United StatesMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.2ChinaMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.3JapanMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.4GermanyMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.5United KingdomMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.6FranceMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.7BrazilMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.8ItalyMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.9Russian FederationMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.10IndiaMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.11CanadaMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.12AustraliaMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.13Republic of KoreaMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.14SpainMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.15MexicoMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.16IndonesiaMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.17NetherlandsMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.18TurkeyMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.19Saudi ArabiaMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.20SwitzerlandMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.21SwedenMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.22NigeriaMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.23PolandMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.24BelgiumMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.25ArgentinaMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.26NorwayMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.27AustriaMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.28ThailandMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.29United Arab EmiratesMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.30ColombiaMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.31DenmarkMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.32South AfricaMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.33MalaysiaMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.34IsraelMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.35SingaporeMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.36EgyptMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.37PhilippinesMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.38FinlandMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.39ChileMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.40IrelandMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.41PakistanMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.42GreeceMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.43PortugalMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.44KazakhstanMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.45AlgeriaMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.46Czech RepublicMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.47QatarMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.48PeruMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.49RomaniaMarket SizeProductionImportsExports11.50VietnamMarket SizeProductionImportsExports
    LIST OF TABLES

    Key Findings In 2025
    Market Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Per Capita Consumption, by Country, 2022–2025
    Production, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Imports, In Value Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Import Prices, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Exports, In Value Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Export Prices, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)

    LIST OF FIGURES

    Market Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Consumption, by Country, 2025
    Market Volume Forecast to 2035
    Market Value Forecast to 2035
    Market Size and Growth, By Product
    Average Per Capita Consumption, By Product
    Exports and Growth, By Product
    Export Prices and Growth, By Product
    Production Volume and Growth
    Exports and Growth
    Export Prices and Growth
    Market Size and Growth
    Per Capita Consumption
    Imports and Growth
    Import Prices
    Production, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Production, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Production, by Country, 2025
    Production, In Physical Terms, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Imports, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Imports, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2025
    Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Imports, In Value Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Import Prices, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Exports, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Exports, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2025
    Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Exports, In Value Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    Export Prices, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)

  • Liverpool Climate Action Week to showcase how the city is tackling climate change

    Liverpool Climate Action Week to showcase how the city is tackling climate change



    Liverpool is set to bring together residents, businesses, and partners for a week of events and activities aimed at accelerating local action on climate change.
    Taking place from 21–27 June, Liverpool Climate Action Week will shine a spotlight on the action already underway across the city to cut carbon emissions, improve health, and create new economic opportunities.
    The week will feature a programme of themed activity focusing on key areas including energy, transport, waste, biodiversity and the built environment – reflecting the city’s joined-up approach to achieving net zero.
    From community initiatives to major infrastructure projects, the week will highlight practical solutions that are already making a difference and show how residents and organisations can play their part.
    Liverpool City Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has since set ambitious targets to reach net zero across its own operations by 2030 and across the wider city by 2040.

    Climate Action Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage behaviour change, and build momentum behind those ambitions.
    The programme will also celebrate the city’s role as a global leader in climate action, including its work as the world’s first UN Accelerator City, using culture and innovation to drive decarbonisation and share learning with other cities.
    The week has been designed to engage a wide audience, from residents and community groups to businesses and partners, helping to build a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities linked to climate action.
    It will also act as a platform to promote key city initiatives, including low-carbon energy projects, sustainable transport solutions and improvements to homes and buildings, all of which are critical to reducing emissions and improving quality of life.
    Liverpool Climate Action Week forms part of a wider effort to embed sustainability into everyday life in the city – supporting economic growth, tackling fuel poverty, and creating greener, healthier neighbourhoods.Residents and organisations are encouraged to get involved, learn more about climate action, and take practical steps that contribute to Liverpool’s journey to net zero.
    Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:
    “Liverpool is leading the way when it comes to tackling climate change, but we know there is always more to do.

    “Climate Action Week is about bringing people together to showcase what’s already happening across our city and to inspire others to take part.
    “Whether it’s businesses investing in greener technology, communities getting involved in local projects, or residents making small changes at home – everyone has a role to play.
    “By working together, we can build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for Liverpool.”
    Find out more on the Liverpool City Council website here.
    Get the latest Liverpool news here.

    Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 
    From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.

  • Days of M1 closures for Hertfordshire, Beds and Bucks start tonight

    Days of M1 closures for Hertfordshire, Beds and Bucks start tonight



    A round of planned maintenance closures for the M1 starts tonight.The works across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire are part of National Highways’ monthly essential fixes and will take place over four consecutive nights.Each closure will last from 10pm on the date indicated until 5am on the following day.“Please check the details below and plan ahead,” National Highways East said. “Thank you for your patience while we carry out the work.”See the closed section for each night and the associated diversion route below:Wednesday (June 24) – Junctions 9 to 11a northboundNorthbound traffic will need to leave the M1 at junction 9, near Flamstead in Hertfordshire. It will be diverted via the A5183 to the A505 and A5 to rejoin the motorway at junction 11a.Those trying to join the motorway at junction 10 will be diverted southbound to junction 9 and then have to follow the northbound diversion. Anyone trying to join at junction 11 will be diverted via the A505, to the A5, and can then rejoin at junction 11a.Thursday (June 25) – Junctions 11a to 14 northboundRead moreSet of M1 closures for Herts, Beds and Bucks starts tonightMotorway closures to look out for near Watford as works restartMotorway closures set for next two weeks as Christmas run-in beginsThe diversion will be via the A5 to the A505, A4146, V6, and A4146 before rejoining at junction 14.Those joining at junction 13 will be diverted via the A421 to join the northbound diversion.Friday (June 26) – Junctions 14 to 11a southboundA map of the diversion route has been shared online as below:Saturday (June 27) – Junctions 11a to 9 southboundMotorists will need to leave at junction 11 and then follow a diversion via the A5, A505, and A5183 before rejoining at junction 9.Those joining at junction 10 will be diverted northbound to junction 11 and then have to follow the A505 and A5183 before rejoining at junction 9.

  • Royal Mail full list of postcodes with deliveries delayed by 36C heatwave

    Royal Mail full list of postcodes with deliveries delayed by 36C heatwave



    A red weather warning is in place amid soaring temperaturesRoyal Mail deliveries could be affected due to extreme weather(Image: Paul Gillis / Reach PLC)Royal Mail has warned that soaring temperatures could impact deliveries in the Midlands.It comes as the mercury is expected to reach 34C in Birmingham today (Wednesday, June 24) with a red warning in place until 9pm on Thursday, June 25.The Met Office states: “During the heatwave expected to affect a large part of England and Wales this week, the highlighted area now looks increasingly likely to see a two to three day period where maximum temperatures in the shade exceed 37 Celsius, perhaps rising to 38 to 40 Celsius in some places.READ MORE: Birmingham closures live as school and businesses shut over danger to life warning”The heat will be accompanied by high humidity, exacerbating the potential for discomfort and health impacts, with very warm and humid night times also reducing the ability for people to recover overnight.”Significant disruption to daily life is likely and the public should take every effort to make precautions and adapt their daily routines where possible to cope with these levels of heat, which up to now have been extremely rare for the UK.”Due to the extreme weather, some people may see delays in their letters and packages being delivered in order to protect posties.A spokesperson for Royal Mail said: “The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat across parts of England and Wales starting at 9 am Wednesday, 24 June until 9 pm Thursday, 25 June 2026.”A red warning indicates that temperatures could reach 37–40°C in some areas of the UK.”Due to the extreme conditions, we will need to make some adjustments to our operation and there may be some service disruption as a result. The safety of our posties and our customers remains our top priority. “The warning is expected to be in place for approximately 36 hours.”Midlands postcodes affected:B — Birmingham: Covers Birmingham and nearby places such as Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Redditch and Bromsgrove.CV — Coventry: Covers Coventry, Rugby, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Nuneaton.DY — Dudley: Covers Dudley, Stourbridge, Brierley Hill and Kingswinford.HR — Hereford : Covers Hereford and much of Herefordshire, plus parts of Powys/south Shropshire.WR — Worcester: Covers Worcester, Malvern, Droitwich, Pershore and Evesham.WS — Walsall: Covers Walsall, Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley and Burntwood.WV — Wolverhampton: Covers Wolverhampton, Bilston, Willenhall and parts of Staffordshire/east Shropshire.Royal Mail adds: “Please note, this list is not exhaustive, and other areas may be affected by the weather warning.”It is always best to check the Met Office websiteOpens in a new window for the latest information.”You can get all your favourite content from BirminghamLive on WhatsApp. Click here to sign up for breaking updates about the biggest stories in the region.If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the BirminghamLive app. You can get it from Apple here and for Android here.And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@birminghammail.co.uk.

  • New officers tackle anti-social behaviour in Leicester

    New officers tackle anti-social behaviour in Leicester



    Scott White, one of the new officers, told the BBC “The single biggest issue is the street lifestyle.”It’s trying to get groups of people to engage and to trust us. “A lot of people see the uniform and they think we’re the police.”We’ve been called spies [but] we’re not here to punish everyone and we’re not here to enforce every time. “We are actually here to help people.”Soulsby said he was proud only a “tiny” number of fines had been issued so far.”The order is particularly aimed at persuading people, not fining them, or seeking to take them to court or anything of that sort.”It’s to try to get them to act in a way that makes a life for everybody else in the city centre reasonable and bearable.”City centre police inspector Ryan Ludlam said: “We welcome the coordinated approach of this new team, which will play a valuable role in deterring anti-social behaviour in the city centre and further aiding crime reduction in the area.”Currently the PSPO rules apply to the city centre, but the council is carrying out a public consultation on proposals to expand them to surrounding neighbourhoods.It is expected to make a final decision on the move later in the summer.

  • ‘We’re young Cambridgeshire voters – we don’t think about the EU’

    ‘We’re young Cambridgeshire voters – we don’t think about the EU’



    Chris Hopkins, the director of political research at polling firm Savanta, says polling has consistently suggested a majority of voters would support rejoining the EU. That, he adds, is driven by two things: demographic change and “Brexit regret”.In 2016, “older voters were far more likely to be leavers and younger voters were far more likely to be remainers”.”Some of those older voters will simply have died off and they’re being replaced by younger voters,” Hopkins says.Voters who were too young to vote a decade ago but have since turned 18 are “overwhelmingly more likely to vote to rejoin”.While many views on both sides are “entrenched”, Hopkins estimates between “one in five and one in seven” leavers might have changed their minds.What was causing “Brexit regret”?”I think there is just a perception not so much that anything was gotten wrong in 2016,” he says.But he adds that “Brits” don’t “necessarily feel as though they’ve really felt the benefit of Brexit”.”Their life hasn’t necessarily improved in the way that maybe some in the Leave campaign said it might.”

  • Luke Ayling : fiche, stats, carrière – BeFoot

    Luke Ayling : fiche, stats, carrière – BeFoot


    ProfilStatistiquesStats détailléesActualitésCarrièrePalmarès

    Statistiques — saison en cours (2025-2026)

    Saison en cours (2025-2026) — source : API-Football · note moyenne 7.26.

    Statistiques détaillées — saison en cours ▾

    Fautes (commises / subies)26 / 64

    Carte d’identité

    NationalitéAngleterre

    Actus BeFoot — Luke Ayling

    Voir toutes les actus →

    Statistiques par saison

    CompétitionClubMBPDNote

    2025-2026

    Coupe de la Ligue anglaise
    Middlesbrough
    1
    0
    0
    7.0

    Coupe d’Angleterre
    Middlesbrough
    1
    0
    0
    7.6

    Championship
    Middlesbrough
    46
    1
    5
    7.3

    M = matchs, B = buts, PD = passes décisives, Note = note moyenne. Source : API-Football.

    Palmarès

    🏆
    ChampionshipAngleterre
    2019/2020

    🏆
    League OneAngleterre
    2014/2015

    🏆
    EFL TrophyAngleterre
    2014/2015

    🏆
    Emirates CupWorld
    2009

    🏆
    League OneAngleterre

    🏆
    EFL TrophyAngleterre

    🏆
    ChampionshipAngleterre

    🏆
    Emirates CupWorld

    Titres remportés — source : API-Football.

    À propos
    Luke Ayling est un footballeur anglais, qui évolue au poste de défenseur à Middlesbrough FC. Retrouvez son profil complet, ses statistiques, son parcours et toute l’actualité le concernant sur BeFoot.

    ← Accueil
    Middlesbrough FC Compétitions
    Toute l’actu

  • North Staffordshire restaurant ‘closed until further notice’

    North Staffordshire restaurant ‘closed until further notice’



    A town centre restaurant is ‘closed until further notice’. Alberto’s Kitchen was unable to open last night following a storage room fire.It comes as an investigation is to be launched into the cause of the fire within The Smithfield Centre, in Leek. It broke out at 4.50am yesterday.Now it is not known when Alberto’s Kitchen will reopen.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn a social media post to customers, Alberto’s Kitchen stated: “Unfortunately we experienced a fire in our upstairs storage room. Thankfully, the fire was contained and did not spread further. However, it has caused significant damage and we need time to fully assess the situation and ensure everything is safe before reopening. As a result, we will remain closed until further notice. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time.”We will keep everyone updated as we learn more. Our hope is to resume collection and delivery services as soon as possible but at this stage we are unable to provide a reopening date. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to serving you again soon.”Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free

  • Manchester overtakes London as top buy-to-let investment hub

    Manchester overtakes London as top buy-to-let investment hub


    Manchester has overtaken London as the number one location targeted by buy-to-let investors.
    Data from The Property Buying Company from 295 investors reveals just under a quarter – at 23% – are searching property in Manchester, outpacing the 18% who set their preferences for the Capital.
    The top five most in-demand cities for investors are Manchester at 23%, London at 18%, Liverpool at 8%, Birmingham at 7% along with Luton and Nottingham at 3%.
    Average rents
    While average rents in Manchester have risen by 3% in the past year to £1,349 a month, slightly below the British average increase of 3.4%, the city continues to offer gross rental yields of 6.6%, compared to 5.1% in London.
    The Property Buying Company goes on to reveal that the North West remains the most sought-after region in England and Wales, with 18% stating it as their preferred region for investment.
    Lagging behind
    Last week, it was revealed Manchester tops the league table of cities with the fastest house price growth in the past 10 years with London lagging well behind.
    Prices were up 63%, while in the Capital they had risen only 7% during the same period.
    The analysis by Rightmove also showed the four fastest growing local areas were all suburbs in Greater Manchester.
    Manchester has established itself as one of the UK’s most attractive investment opportunities.”
    Karl McArdle, Co-Founder, The Property Buying Company
    Karl McArdle, Co-Founder of The Property Buying Company, says: “Despite not promising the highest rental yield, Manchester has established itself as one of the UK’s most attractive investment opportunities.
    “Our data shows that demand for property in Manchester is nearly three times higher than in Liverpool and more than three times higher than in Birmingham”.
    He went on to say: “The city ticks a lot of boxes for investors, with a growing population, high rental demand, ongoing regeneration projects, several universities and major employers”.
    More on buy-to-let

  • Look back at iconic Liverpool department store as building goes up for sale

    Look back at iconic Liverpool department store as building goes up for sale



    Located on the corner of Renshaw Street and Ranleigh Street, it was the flagship store of the Lewis’s empire and began in the 19th centuryDickie Lewis’s statue on Ranelagh/Renshaw Street junction(Image: Liverpool Echo)While it has been more than 100 years since the renowned department store Lewis’s first welcomed shoppers to Liverpool city centre, for those who grew up in Merseyside, the iconic building still serves as a familiar landmark in the city.Located on the corner of Renshaw Street and Ranleigh Street, it was the flagship store of the Lewis’s empire and began in the 19th century. Founder David Lewis arrived in Liverpool in 1839, aged 16, and served his apprenticeship with a firm of tailors before setting up his first small shop at 44 Ranelagh Street in 1856, selling men’s and boys’ clothing.When Lewis died in 1885, the Ranelagh Street store was the city’s largest department store, with the founder having expanded his reach to Manchester, Sheffield, and Birmingham. Lewis’s was famously known for selling tea for just 2s and is claimed to have been “instrumental” in making it the nation’s favourite drink, the ECHO previously reported.The Grade II-listed building was built to replace the original store, which was destroyed in Luftwaffe bombing raids during WWII.The shell of Lewis’s building after the Second World War, May Blitz in Liverpool. Earlier that day had been crowded with shoppers. 3rd May 1941(Image: Mirrorpix)For decades, it remained a cornerstone of local life where countless people from across Merseyside were employed or spent their weekends browsing. Fond memories of the store often include the fragrance of the perfume department, the bustling food halls, and the essential family tradition of visiting the legendary Christmas grotto for a festive photograph.In 1991, the entire retail chain was acquired by Owen Owen, which was later taken over by BHS billionaire Philip Green. However, by 2001, the Liverpool branch stood as the sole survivor of the Lewis’s legacy until Owen Owen eventually went into administration in 2007. Lewis’s was then closed in 2010 by owners Vergo Retail.Yesterday, Tuesday (June 23), the ECHO reported that it was announced that the iconic, Grade II-listed Lewis’s Building is being marketed on a freehold basis.The first meeting with Santa at Lewis’s department store in Liverpool, December 1992(Image: Mirrorpix)READ MOREGlobal commercial real estate advisor Avison Young and joint agents Area have been appointed to market the striking building. The building has been partially redeveloped, with current tenants including the 126-bedroom Adagio aparthotel, which accounts for 86,000 sq ft as well as a Pure Gym.But the remaining space within the building is now being sold as an opportunity for further development, including nearly 70,000 sq ft of self-contained office facilities (The Department) and the remainder of the former department in shell-and-core condition at 138,492 sq ft.Situated on the corner of Ranelagh Street in the city centre, the site also includes three retail and leisure units totalling 37,149 sq ft, each with independent access off Renshaw Street and Ranelagh Street, plus a basement.Lewis’s building in Liverpool(Image: Photo by Colin Lane)The area has already been earmarked for large-scale regeneration, including the £5bn expansion of Liverpool Central Station Gateway, which sits directly behind the Lewis’s Building.The property has more than £800,000 of annual income from rent currently secured, with Adagio Hotels’ lease set to expire in 2043, and Pure Gym’s in 2032. Those marketing the site insist it presents an “unrivalled city centre investment and redevelopment opportunity”, with potential uses including education, life sciences, hospitality, residential and student accommodation.David Winterbottom, of the principal, capital markets team at Avison Young, said: “The Lewis’s Building is an iconic cornerstone of Liverpool city centre, and we expect to see strong interest as this historic site comes to market.“The property presents a truly unrivalled opportunity for mixed-use redevelopment, offering exceptional flexibility for a wide range of future uses. Positioned at the intersection of Liverpool’s thriving retail, office and innovation districts, the site benefits from significant planning potential across residential, leisure, commercial and cultural sectors.“Liverpool city centre has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, driven by significant inward investment, and this landmark asset is now poised to be reimagined for the next generation, reflecting the continued regeneration and growth we’re already seeing across the wider city region.”For further information, or to arrange an inspection, you can contact David Winterbottom or Chris Ward at Avison Young.