"City Centre's Oldest Building Survives Demolition Threat and Blitz Damage"

Liverpool city centre is rich with stunning and historic architecture, particularly visible along the waterfront where the iconic Three Graces stand proudly at the Pier Head.

The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building showcase fine examples of early 20th-century architecture, while the Liver Building, completed in 1911, was hailed as Britain's first skyscraper. The city is also home to two magnificent cathedrals, the ornate Town Hall, and innovative structures like Oriel Chambers, all contributing to its architectural charm.

The oldest building still standing in the city centre is the Bluecoat Chambers, located on School Lane between Church Street and College Lane. Constructed between 1716 and 1725 as a charity school, it features a brick structure with painted stone detailing. The original Blue Coat school was established in 1708 by mariner Bryan Blundell and the rector of Liverpool, Reverend Robert Styth. However, after the school relocated to Wavertree in 1906, the building faced a challenging period. Industrialist William Lever had to be persuaded by the Liverpool School of Architecture to rent the space, which then became the school’s base. Lever initially intended to expand it into an art centre but later abandoned the plan.

After Lever's passing, the building was threatened with demolition but was saved thanks to a dedicated campaign, leading to the establishment of the Bluecoat Society of the Arts to manage the site. During the Liverpool Blitz on May 3, 1941, the concert hall and adjoining rooms sustained damage from an incendiary bomb, followed by further destruction of the rear wing the next night.

Fortunately, the building was restored in 1951 and received Grade I listed status the following year. In 1959, the Bluecoat Display Centre opened in the rear courtyard and continues to operate today, recognized as one of Liverpool's most beautiful structures. Its entrance is framed by three sides of a quadrangle, featuring an ornate façade with arched windows, a deep blue door, and a pediment with a clock that only displays an hour hand. The rear courtyard garden offers a serene escape amid the bustling city.

Renovations took place from 2005 to 2008 to mark Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture. It was reopened by then-culture secretary Andy Burnham, featuring an exhibition titled 'Now Then,' which showcased works by Yoko Ono. The Bluecoat remains a vibrant contemporary arts centre in Liverpool.