160-year-old Liverpool building comes to market

A building in Liverpool city centre dating back to the 1850s has come onto the market.

The Grade II-listed Melbourne Buildings, on North John Street, comprises 2,716 sq ft of office space to let across three upper floors, with the ground level currently serving as a restaurant.

Commercial property agency Hitchcock Wright & Partners is seeking occupiers for the property on behalf of the site owners at Derwent Lodge Estates.

Built as Melbourne House in 1854 by architect James A. Picton, who designed a number of Liverpool’s historic buildings, including the Queen Insurance Buildings on Dale Street and the Hargreaves Building on Chapel Street, the property has undergone a cosmetic refurb to restore a number of original features.

The building has communal areas, a lift and bike storage facilities, along with showers and toilets on every floor.

In the 20th Century it was home to the Solicitors Law Stationery Society, a business that supplied products to lawyers and law firms. In the 1970s a rooftop extension was added.

Sean Collins-Jones of Hitchcock Wright & Partners said: “The Melbourne Buildings is a unique property in Liverpool with an interesting history going back 160 years. The location and amenities on offer make it an ideal office accommodation.

“Close to both the retail and commercial districts, we are confident this property will appeal to many occupiers looking for unique office space in Liverpool’s city centre.”