Following significant population growth, largely associated with the fishing industry, a local board of health was established in the area in 1891.

[4] In September 1914, at the start of the First World War, the building was used as the venue for a recruiting drive for the 13th (Service) Battalion, the Cheshire Regiment, known informally as the "Wirral Pals".

[10] The building was subsequently sold to a developer, Hylgar Properties, who announced plans to convert it into an arts centre, cinema, cafe, restaurant and shops.

[11] The developer secured financing of £3.6 million from the Coastal Communities Fund in February 2018 and planning consent from Wirral Council in August 2018.

[13] However, as of October 2022, because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, limited progress had been made on the second stage of the project, which included the fit-out of the arts centre, cinema, cafe, restaurant and shops.