Museum of Science and Industry

The Station Building developed in four phases. The oldest part is the house at the bottom of Liverpool Road.  Built in 1808-09, it was the home of John Rothwell, who co-owned a dyeworks nearby on Water Street. When the Railway Company bought the site in 1829, it kept the house for its Station Agent. 

Next to the house is the world's oldest passenger station, originally known as the Coach Offices. Built between June and September 1830, the Coach Offices consisted of separate booking halls for first-class and second-class passengers on the ground floor. Separate waiting rooms were on the first floor. Passenger services ceased in 1844 when passenger trains were re-routed to the new Hunt's Bank (now Victoria) Station.

In July 1830, work began on the erection of carrier's offices next to the Coach Offices. These offices consisted of a parcel office and an office for the goods clerks.  In 1831, the Railway Company further extended the building, creating eight shop units at street level. This venture was a failure - the annual rent fell from £50 to £35 within the first year. By 1840 most of the shops had become railway offices and workshops. 

Above the carrier's offices and shops, the first floor formed a canopied open space. This was used as a shed for 20 railway carriages.