Siobhan
Apr 29, 2003, 03:02 AM
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/page.cfm?objectid=12898374&method=full&siteid=50061&headline=Is%20Stella's%20presence%20going%20to%20o utshine%20McCartn ey%20at%20Beatles%20birthplace?
Is Stella's presence going to outshine McCartney at Beatles birthplace?
Apr 28 2003
By Louise Davies Daily Post Staff
IT COULD be hello Stella McCartney, and goodbye Sir Paul, at one of Liverpool's most famous Beatles attractions.
Cavern Walks shopping development is at the centre of a debate over whether it should loosen its Fab Four links to forge a new image as Liverpool's fashion centre.
The attraction in the heart of the Cavern Quarter in Mathew Street celebrated its 19th anniversary at the weekend and continues to attract thousands of Beatles fans every year.
But question marks have ben raised over whether it is appropriate that designer boutiques should sit alongside outlets selling Beatles memorabilia.
Warner Estate Holdings, which bought Cavern Walks from Moor-fields a year ago, is now faced with a major dilemma: if it wants to rein-vent itself as a high fashion retail destination should it be designer Stella McCartney that is the main attraction rather than her musician father Sir Paul?
At present, shops such as Cricket and Drome - frequented by the likes of supermodel Sophie Dahl for their four-figure Stella McCartney and Chloe labels - share the precinct with stalls selling Beatles T-shirts for £10.
Richard Morris, the scheme's managing agent and an associate in the Liverpool office of Insignia Richard Ellis, told a leading property magazine many retailers would like to get rid of the Beatles link as Japanese tourists are not interested in the shops in Cavern Walks.
He told Property Week: "Although Cavern Walks has always been associated with the Beatles many of the retailers would like to do away with the connection immediately as all you get is Japanese tourists taking pictures, and they don't go into any of the shops."
However, Warner's property director, Richard Moore, told the Daily Post the company has no intention of disassociating Cavern Walks from the Beatles but wants to build on its profile.
He said: "We are not going to dis-associate the retail centre from its heritage under any circumstances.
"We want to establish Cavern Walks as a distinct retail destination and encourage more outstanding retail outlets, such as Cricket and Drome.
Is Stella's presence going to outshine McCartney at Beatles birthplace?
Apr 28 2003
By Louise Davies Daily Post Staff
IT COULD be hello Stella McCartney, and goodbye Sir Paul, at one of Liverpool's most famous Beatles attractions.
Cavern Walks shopping development is at the centre of a debate over whether it should loosen its Fab Four links to forge a new image as Liverpool's fashion centre.
The attraction in the heart of the Cavern Quarter in Mathew Street celebrated its 19th anniversary at the weekend and continues to attract thousands of Beatles fans every year.
But question marks have ben raised over whether it is appropriate that designer boutiques should sit alongside outlets selling Beatles memorabilia.
Warner Estate Holdings, which bought Cavern Walks from Moor-fields a year ago, is now faced with a major dilemma: if it wants to rein-vent itself as a high fashion retail destination should it be designer Stella McCartney that is the main attraction rather than her musician father Sir Paul?
At present, shops such as Cricket and Drome - frequented by the likes of supermodel Sophie Dahl for their four-figure Stella McCartney and Chloe labels - share the precinct with stalls selling Beatles T-shirts for £10.
Richard Morris, the scheme's managing agent and an associate in the Liverpool office of Insignia Richard Ellis, told a leading property magazine many retailers would like to get rid of the Beatles link as Japanese tourists are not interested in the shops in Cavern Walks.
He told Property Week: "Although Cavern Walks has always been associated with the Beatles many of the retailers would like to do away with the connection immediately as all you get is Japanese tourists taking pictures, and they don't go into any of the shops."
However, Warner's property director, Richard Moore, told the Daily Post the company has no intention of disassociating Cavern Walks from the Beatles but wants to build on its profile.
He said: "We are not going to dis-associate the retail centre from its heritage under any circumstances.
"We want to establish Cavern Walks as a distinct retail destination and encourage more outstanding retail outlets, such as Cricket and Drome.