Port of Liverpool Building

The Port of Liverpool Building stands at the Pier Head in Liverpool, one of the Three Graces that line the city’s waterfront. It was designed by Sir Arnold Thornely and F.B. Hobbs with Briggs and Wolstenholme, completed in 1907 as the headquarters of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board. The building is a Grade II* listed structure, clad in Portland stone with a reinforced concrete frame. Its Edwardian Baroque style features a large central dome and ornate maritime details both inside and out. The dome, added late in the design process, became the building’s defining feature and focal point. The structure was the tallest in Liverpool when built, reaching 67 metres. It served as the MDHB’s offices for 87 years before becoming a mixed-use development. The building’s history reflects Liverpool’s role as a key imperial port and its resilience through conflict. During the May Blitz of 1941, a bomb damaged the eastern wing, but the structure remained intact enough for temporary repairs. After the war, full restoration returned it to use, though at a cost exceeding the original build. In 2001 it was sold to property developer Downing, which funded a £10 million restoration completed in 2009. The project reinstated a lost sixth floor as luxury apartments and opened a viewing floor inside the dome. A sunken piazza along the riverfront now hosts cafes, shops and restaurants, making parts of the building publicly accessible. Visitors find a grand Edwardian interior with marble floors, ornate plasterwork and maritime motifs throughout. The dome’s viewing floor offers panoramic views over the Mersey and the city’s skyline. Outside, the river-facing façade features statues of ‘Commerce’ and ‘Industry’ flanking the main entrance. The canted corners carry stone cupolas, once topped with lanterns, adding to the building’s symmetrical presence. The restored sixth floor houses private apartments, while the ground level piazza provides a sheltered riverside space. The building remains a symbol of Liverpool’s maritime heritage and architectural ambition.