The Lyceum Building: The history of a Bold Street icon

At the bottom of Bold Street stands a historic landmark that has witnessed the city’s evolution for over 220 years.

The Lyceum Building, on Bold Street, has always remained an integral part of Liverpool’s tapestry for over two centuries, capturing the essence of a bygone era while remaining a timeless symbol of the city’s heritage.

Originally constructed in 1802, the building has undergone several transformations over the years. From its early days as a bustling hub of social and cultural activity to its present-day status as a cherished architectural gem.

The Neoclassical Grade II listed building originally constructed as a news room and also housed England’s first subscription Library.

In 1757, a gathering of individuals from a small literary club met at the residence of William Everard, a teacher, to engage in discussions about reviews, periodicals, and subsequently circulated books among themselves.

A year later on May 1, 1758, The Liverpool Library was established. The books that were usually kept at Everard’s premises were distributed to a number of locations throughout the city as the collection increased.

Then with the growing popularity of the club, it was proposed to members on 12 May, 1800, that a purpose built library should be constructed… due to in part to the books they had collected were overflowing at their current home on Lord Street.

The design of the building, headed up by architect Thomas Harrison, originally had the entrance facing Church Street. This was later changed and construction began the same year.

The Lyceum eventually opened two-years later after costing £11,000… given it’s said that £100 in 1800 is worth £10,497.31 in 2024… the building cost just over £1.1M to complete.

The newsroom had a coffee room and a reading room were members had could read newspapers, magazines, reviews and maps. 

The library was estimated to have held over 10,000 books in its time, and other rooms were used to give lectures and for committee members meetings.

Sadly, the library section of the building closed in 1942, with its collection moving to the Liverpool Public Library, and the building was given its Grade II status in 1952.

Developers who owned The Lyceum during the 70s actually tried to demolish the building and even sent an application to Liverpool City Council to do so.

They were wanting to create a shopping destination and an extension to Liverpool Central Station. It was the work of Save Britain’s Heritage and a petition called “Save the Lyceum” that forced the Government’s hand into purchasing the building… could you imagine Bold Street without it?

In 1984 the Post Office, the state owned postal system, purchased the building with plans of turning the iconic structure into their HQ… but after a restructure in the UK resulted in a private company taking over, Post Office Counters LTD, these plans were not to be.

The new Post Office company also wanted to demolish the building… but Liverpool City Council and English Heritage opposed them, resulting in part of the building being leased back to the Post Office and others turning into retail destinations including; ‘Life Bar’, ‘Prohibition’, ‘The Bar and Grill’ and the ‘Lyceum Café’. A Building Society took over the lower floor.

In March 2004, when the Post Office were downsizing, the branch was closed and eventually became a Co-Operative Bank on the lower floor.

But in 2017 the bank left, leaving the building entirely derelict until two years later when restaurant China-Dina made the building its home.

Fast forward to today, breathing new life into this iconic location is One Under Liverpool, what is set to open on February 9, in the restored building.

Take a look at our first look at the new site below:

One Under will bring its unique blend of crazy golf and neon party vibes to Liverpool, by way of a neon drenched wonderland housing two crazy golf courses, an epic 360 degree bar and a games room equipped with everything you need for a boss night.

Customers will be treated to two 9-hole golf courses, ‘Ocean Course’ for the aquatic adventurer and ‘Day of the Dead course’ which is an ode to the Mexican holiday El Dia de los Muertos. 

This isn’t just grown-up fun, junior putters will be able to get in on the adventure everyday until 7pm and there will be special package offers for family tickets.

What do you think of the news plans for The Lyceum Building? For the latest news in Liverpool click here.