Metquarter is a shopping centre on Whitechapel in central Liverpool. It opened in 2006 after a refurbishment that cost over £100 million. It caters to the luxury end of the market and, over the years, has built up a loyal clientele. In addition to its retail stores, this multi-use space boasts food and beverage outlets, a 4-screen Everyman Cinema and a performing arts college.
The Metquarter building itself has a colourful history, starting out as Liverpool’s General Post Office. It resembled a French château because of its turrets and other embellishments. Today, the old grand portico is the entrance to Everyman Theatre. The main entrance to the shopping centre is on the opposite side of the building and is modern in appearance.
Metquarter in Liverpool - one of the highlights of 10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Liverpool and 10 Best Shopping Malls in Liverpool (Read all about Liverpool here)
photo by Elliott Brown (CC BY 2.0) modified
A brief history of Metquarter
The Duke of York unveiled the building in 1899. The purpose-built premises were an upgrade from the Post Office’s previous home at Custom House in Canning Place. It contained a sorting office, telephone room, telegraph messengers’ room and the public hall. It sprawled across an almost 2-acre site, but its main entrance was on Victoria Street.
Architect Henry Tanner’s design was ambitious and took 5 years to construct. The end result wasn’t only impressive because of its scale. Sculptor Edward O. Griffith was responsible for carving the stonework. Two pairs of figures stood hand in hand beside the second floor, representing the 4 nations of the United Kingdom. Others depicted Britain’s former colonies, as well as Commerce and Industry and Electricity and Engineering. Some of this ornate stonework survives.
In 1941, catastrophe struck, and the building was bombed. The target of the sustained attack by the German Luftwaffe was the Liverpool docks but, in the process, they hit much of the city centre. The upper floors of the GPO building suffered considerable damage. Afterwards, it was necessary to remove them because they were unsafe. The Post Office stayed in the decapitated 2-storey property until the late 20th century before once again moving to a more suitable location.
photo by John Bradley (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
What are the highlights and features of Metquarter today?
Some of Metquarter’s upscale stores such as Jack Wills, Jo Malone, and LK Bennett were hit hard by COVID-19 – they had their doors closed for good and moved out. Others remained, including clothing retailers such as Hugo Boss and Kurt Geiger, as well as jewellery stores like Say It With Diamonds and Mococo.
In addition, there are several outlets offering services. Urban Calm is a popular day spa, while the Art Quarter represents a collective of artists. MQ Flowers takes care of any floristry needs, indoors and out. Independent coffee roasters 200 Degrees and nationwide chain Costa Coffee provide quality refreshments and comfy seating.
In early 2021, Metquarter announced that a food hall would open in late spring. Named GPO, it references the building’s early use. It aims to be unique, ditching the usual chain restaurants in favour of the likes of Bullion Craft Bean Café, Restaurant Konjo, Jail Bird Nashville Fried Chicken, Patty B’s Burgers, Thai 25, Dirty Herb Vegan Kitchen, and Bubble Tea.
photo by Andy Miah (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
Good to know about Metquarter
Metquarter has diversified over the years. Its upper floors house 1 of the 2 LMA campuses – the other is in East London. Pop superstar Robbie Williams co-owns this music, media, dance, and performing arts institute. The LMA, affiliated with Staffordshire University, confers degrees in subjects such as acting, film production, cinematography, and scriptwriting.
The space is sub-divided into state-of-the-art film and dance studios, classrooms and recording studios, as well as music rehearsal rooms. Industry professionals teach students and visiting experts host specialist masterclasses. Their connections ensure those who sign up to learn can be sure of the very best start to their careers.
Metquarter is only a 6-minute stroll southwest from the Liverpool Lime Street railway station, via Hood Street and Whitechapel.
photo by Rodhullandemu (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
Metquarter in Liverpool
Location: 35 Whitechapel, Liverpool L1 6DA
Open: Monday–Wednesday and Friday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 6 pm, Thursday from 9.30 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1512 242390
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