[4] However, as the number of court cases in Liverpool grew, it became necessary to commission a more modern courthouse for both criminal and civil matters: the site selected by the Lord Chancellor's Department had been occupied by Liverpool Castle between the 13th and 18th century.

[5] The new building was commissioned by the now-defunct Property Services Agency, who were seeking a design which expressed authority and power.

[11] The design by Farmer and Dark features towers on the north and south sides which were intended to echo Liverpool Castle.

[5] Pollard and Pevsner describe the architecture as "hulking" and "dispiriting", but "richly sculptural".

[7][9] The front facade of the building features a four metres wide version of the Royal coat of arms.