The building, at the junction of Waterloo Road and Vulcan Street, is historically significant as it was one of the earliest fireproof warehouses. It has been given a Grade II listing.
It was built in the 1840s to a new fireproof design shortly after the serious Formby Street fire of 1842,in which a block of warehouses were destroyed in a blaze which lasted for days.
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This fire led to an increase in construction of fireproof warehouses in Liverpool. The six-storey warehouse was built of brick with its floors supported with brick vaults and cast iron columns, designed to make collapse less likely in the event of fire.
During its life the building has been used for a variety of uses. Trade directories from the time record occupiers such as merchants, ship owners and a passenger broker. Other uses included emigration agents, distillers, wine and spirit brokers, removal carriers and furniture warehouse.
In designating it as a listed building the Department of Culture, Media and Sport note that it "is an imposing and highly prominent building which retains the majority of original features".
(CD/JM)
