If you are fascinated by brick buildings, you will love this article! I am going to tell you all about the largest brick building in the world, based on its ground size. It is none other than the Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse, a stunning structure that stands proudly in Liverpool, England. Let me share with you the history and some amazing facts about this remarkable building.

History of the Warehouse

The Stanley Tobacco Warehouse is a historic building located in Liverpool, England. It was built in 1901 and was the world's largest brick warehouse. The warehouse was used to store tobacco imported from the Americas and other parts of the world.

The warehouse was designed by A.G. Lyster from Lyster and Arthur Berrington, and it was constructed on land reclaimed from the dock.

A.G. Lyster was a dock engineer from Wales, in charge of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board from 1897 to 1913. He was also the president of the Institution of Civil Engineers from 1913 to 1914. One of his most notable works was the Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse.

The Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse has a net floor area of 1.6 million square feet (148,644 square meters). Standing 125 feet (38 m) high, the 14-storey building spans across 36 acres (15 ha), and its construction used 27 million bricks, 30,000 panes of glass and 8,000 tons of steel.

The warehouse was part of the Stanley Dock complex, a major hub for trade and commerce in Liverpool.

The warehouse was in use until the 1980s, when the decline of trade through Liverpool led to its abandonment and deterioration. It was listed as a grade II building in 1999 and became part of the World Heritage Site and Stanley Dock Conservation Area.

The Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse in Liverpool

As a Hub of the Tobacco Trade

The warehouse stored millions of pounds of raw tobacco leaves that were imported from America and distributed to factories across Britain.

Situated strategically along the docks, the warehouse became a bustling center of activity where tobacco from around the world was imported, stored, and prepared for onward distribution.

Tobacco, a highly sought-after commodity during that era, arrived at the docks in Liverpool from various corners of the globe. Ships carrying tobacco leaves, cigars, and related products docked at Liverpool's port, and the precious cargo was unloaded and transported to the Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse for storage.

Inside the vast interior of the warehouse, tobacco bales were carefully stored in immense quantities. The open floor spaces, supported by a network of cast-iron columns and timber floors, allowed for efficient organization and easy access to tobacco. The building's construction, combining brick, iron, and timber, reflected the architectural brilliance of the time and the need for a structure that could withstand the weight and volume of tobacco stored within its walls.

The Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse became a beacon of the tobacco trade, with its immense capacity and convenient location enabling seamless logistics. The warehouse served as a vital distribution center, facilitating the movement of tobacco products to local markets and beyond. From here, tobacco would be dispatched to manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers across the country and even exported to international destinations.

Liverpool's tobacco trade, of which the warehouse was an integral part, contributed significantly to the city's economic growth and prosperity. The industry generated employment opportunities, attracting a workforce skilled in the handling and processing of tobacco. Additionally, the trade stimulated ancillary industries, such as packaging, shipping, and manufacturing, further boosting the local economy.

Restoration

In 2014, a redevelopment project was launched by Stanley Dock Properties, a subsidiary of Harcourt Developments, an Irish company that had previously transformed Belfast's Titanic Quarter. The project aimed to convert the warehouse into 550 luxury apartments, with businesses, cafes and retail outlets on the ground floor.

Between 2015-2021 Tobacco Warehouse was redeveloped into the new apartment building named “Warehouse Tobacco” as part of a larger development of the whole Stanley Dock site. The project involved hollowing out the center of the warehouse to create a garden-filled courtyard and adding two storeys of penthouse apartments on top of the original structure.  

The warehouse was transferred into a modern apartment building with exclusive access to the Titanic Hotel's first-class facilities. The apartments feature original exposed brick walls, concrete ceiling beams, and metal staircases that create a Manhattan loft-style vibe. The warehouse also boasts amazing views of the Stanley Dock and the city skyline, as well as access to lifestyle amenities such as a gym, a spa, and a rooftop terrace.

The first phase of the redevelopment was completed in 2021 and welcomed its first residents. The Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse is more than just a place to live, it's a lifestyle destination that celebrates the past and embraces the future.

Luxury Apartment Building “Warehouse Tobacco”

The Stanley Tobacco Warehouse is an example of how a historic building can be adapted for modern living, while retaining its architectural and cultural significance. The Tobacco Warehouse is now a vibrant part of Liverpool's waterfront, offering a unique lifestyle to its residents and visitors.

Please watch the video below to take a tour inside the luxury apartment building “Warehouse Tobacco”.