It was built in five months between April and September 1830, "almost certainly [to the designs of] the Liverpool architect Thomas Haigh".

[1] The heritage listing report attributes the work to George Stephenson and his son, Robert.

[2] The warehouse is of "red brick in Flemish bond, with sandstone dressings and slate roofs".

[2] At the ground floor at street level, carts could also gain direct access.

As of 2024[update], the museum is embarking on a phased programme of conservation work to the 1830 warehouse, having undertaken repairs to improve the structural integrity of the building and roof repairs.