10 Liverpool City Centre buildings you might miss and their incredible history

Liverpool’s skyline is famous for its grand landmarks, from the Liver Building to Liverpool Cathedral, there’s a load of stunning buildings in Liverpool.

But there’s also some lesser-known buildings, each with fascinating histories that reveal the city’s past. Next time you’re walking through town, keep an eye out for these 10 beautiful buildings in Liverpool:

Radiant House – Bold Street

Located on Bold Street, Radiant House is an Art Deco masterpiece that once housed The Liverpool Gas Company in the 1920s. 

Children of the 90s might remember this as the home of one of Littlewoods’ Index stores.  

Its sleek façade and impressive entrance often go unnoticed in the hustle of Bold Street. 

The building was home to Liv Organic which specialised in organic world foods, and is now home to Albert’s Schloss. 

Exchange Station – Tithebarn Street

Although no longer a working railway station, Exchange Station was once a busy transport hub linking Liverpool to the North of England and Scotland. 

Opened in 1850, it was one of the city’s busiest stations before closing in 1977. 

Today, the stunning Victorian façade remains, fronting a modern office complex that retains the station’s historic charm.

Compton House – Church Street

We remember it now as the former home to Marks & Spencer, but Compton House was once the world’s first department store. 

Built in 1867, as the original was destroyed by a fire in 1865, it was a revolutionary shopping experience at the time, with four floors of retail space. 

The building is often overlooked as shoppers stroll past, but it stands as one of Liverpool’s most beautiful buildings. 

Melbourne Buildings – North John Street

A stunning Grade II Listed Georgian townhouse, the Melbourne Buildings on North John Street dates back to 1854. 

In 1975, K. E. Martin Architects added a rooftop extension to the building. 

The building was once a former home to The Liverpool Porcupine, a satirical newspaper, who was less than enthused about the construction of Oriel Chambers.

“Did we not see this vast abortion … with our own eyes, we should have doubted the possibility of its existence … An oriel window is an inspiriting object; but a row of windows falsely so called, all bad to commence with, and all exactly alike, is the reverse” (6 January 1866). 

It is now home to one of Liverpool’s Shiraz restaurants. 

Oriel Chambers – Water Street

One of Liverpool’s most important buildings, yet often missed, Oriel Chambers is a pioneering work of architecture. 

Designed in 1864 by Peter Ellis, it’s considered one of the earliest examples of modern skyscraper design with its extensive use of glass and metal framing. 

The radical look was controversial at the time, as we know from The Liverpool Porcupine, but today it’s recognised as a masterpiece.

Century Buildings – Victoria Street

A striking yet easily overlooked structure, the Century Buildings were originally built as warehouses in the late 19th century. 

The red-brick reflects Liverpool’s industrial and maritime past, with the warehouses once storing goods brought in from across the world. 

Today, they house luxury apartments but still retain their historical charm.

St John’s House

Nestled in the heart of Queen’s Square, St John’s House is a little-known architectural gem. 

It was once the regional headquarters for Pearl Assurance and was constructed between 1896 and 1898.

The beautiful corner tower is the centrepiece and focal point of the building, and was designated as a Grade II Listed building in 1985. 

Below is home to Doctor Duncan’s, and we’re thrilled to call this stunning building our home at The Guide Liverpool HQ.

Music agents ‘Blacks’ at 14 Castle Street

At 14 Castle Street, you’ll find the former offices of music agency Blacks.

In 1912 the famous passenger liner that sank on its maiden voyage, the HMS Titanic, left Liverpool for the first and final time. Musicians on board were recruited by CW & FM Black who were then located at 14 Castle Street. 

The company engaged the services of musicians for big shipping lines. The musicians on Titanic travelled as 2nd class passengers and famously played as the ship sank, to calm and comfort those remaining on board. 

The only Scouser in the band was Fred Clarke from Wavertree.    

Casa – Hope Street

A pub with a political past, Casa on Hope Street was established by sacked dockworkers in the 1990s as a hub for workers’ rights. 

The building once served as a trade union office before becoming a community-led venue. Today, it’s a popular bar and events space, with its history of activism still woven into its identity.

The Pump House – Royal Albert Dock

Now a popular pub, the Pump House at the Royal Albert Dock was originally built in 1870 as part of Liverpool’s dock water system. 

The towering chimney was once part of a steam-powered pumping station that helped regulate the dock waters. 

Today, it serves pints instead of powering machinery, but it remains a proud link to Liverpool’s industrial past.

These buildings may not always get the same attention as some of the city’s famous landmarks, but they each play an role in our history. 

Discover more features from The Guide Liverpool here.