Work was started in 1862 by Liverpool Corporation surveyor John Weightman, and finished by Edward Robert Robson in 1868.

[2] The building was put up for sale by the council in 2016 as it was deemed "surplus to requirements" and too expensive to run and maintain.

[6] The project was worth £80 million[7] including the acquisition costs, and involved the creation of a four storey extension at the back of the building, allowing the facility to have a pool, spa, gym and space for 179 suites and bedrooms for guests.

[2] Distributed along the attic storey are eighteen sandstone figures representing the arts, sciences and industries of Liverpool (see gallery below).

At first floor level, the principal offices facing Dale Street were occupied by the Borough Architect and Surveyor.