Victoria Street, Liverpool

Dating back to the 1860s, the street's offices and commercial buildings meant that it played a key part during the growth of Liverpool.^[1] During the 19th century, the street became home to fruit and produce dealers, warehouses, offices and banks, aided by its proximity to the docks and Liverpool Exchange railway station.^[2]

At one point, three railway companies had depots on the street. The Midland Railway built a depot on the corner where Victoria Street meets Crosshall Street in 1872.^[3] Designed by local architect Henry Sumners of Culshaw and Sumners, the building was later extended towards Peter Street in 1878. In the mid-1990s the building was converted into a convervation centre for National Museums Liverpool, known as the National Conservation Centre.^[4] The Fruit Exchange Building was built c.1888 in as a rail depot before being converted into a fruit exchange in 1923.^[5] During its heyday, hundreds of people would attend auctions to purchase fruit that had been shipped into Liverpool from around the world.^[6] Adjacent to it, the Produce Exchange Buildings was built in 1902 as a produce warehouse for the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway before being converted into offices.^[7]

Liverpool's main post office opened on Victoria Street in 1899, having previously been in Custom House at Canning Dock.^[8] The building was damaged during the May 1941 blitz and had the upper floors removed.^[9] The post office moved to another location during the 20th century and after being derelict for a while the building was converted into a shopping centre called the Metquarter.

Renowned Liverpool nightclub, Eric's Club opened on Victoria Street in 1976 before later moving to Mathew Street.^[10] During its four-year lifespan it hosted local bands such as Dead or Alive, Echo & the Bunnymen and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark as well as international acts like U2, Talking Heads and The Ramones.

Victoria Street contains ten listed buildings.^[11] These include: