Students' Union Building

It was within the decade after the common room spaces were established in the Victoria Building that discussions took place regarding a purpose built home for student activities. In 1896 the women students acquired a club house at no. 28 Brownlow Street, whilst the men acquired no. 53 Bedford Street. The Victoria Building also remained a popular resting and social hub between lectures. In the Victoria Building, the Men's Common Room was based upon the ground floor, whilst the women's was on the first floor, just off the balcony area. In those days segregation between the sexes was normal and expected; Edna Rideout reported that occasionally a daring male student would venture to the first floor balcony to talk to the women students (Thomas Kelly, For Advancement of Learning: The University of Liverpool, 1881-1981, p. 167). 

The Union building was designed by Charles Reilly, Professor in Architecture at the University. The first stage, the Men's Wing facing on to Bedford Street, opened in 1911. The second phase, the Women's Wing and the Gilmour Hall linking the two wings, were completed in 1913. As shown below, along with several of the interior rooms and other University buildings, the exteriors were depicted within the postcards produced in 1920 by Ernest Coffin for the purpose of raising money for the University. 

"There was of course the Students' Union, strictly segregated, with on the men's side, a ground floor lounge, first floor dining room (for the more affluent), second floor coffee room, very popular and crowded at lunch time, and in the basement a billiard and snooker room. Over the Union presided the dignified head Porter, Mr. Wright, with his assistant the youthful Mr. Tanner. The most popular foods in the coffee room were pies, chips, buns and cakes, with the usual beverages, but no alcohol. Prices were low and in the dining room reasonable."

'A Student in 1925-1929' by E. Charles Lowe 

Two major extensions were made to the Students' Union building with the aim of improving the social spaces available to students. The first extension in 1935 was urgently needed as student numbers continued to grow. In this extension the two wings were linked, although rooms were reserved solely for the use of either men or women. The new additions included a new cafeteria, a new assembly room named the Stanely Hall, and a new library. In 1965, a much welcomed further extension created the Mountford Hall (which is still used today for gigs and events), a lounge, and new cafeteria area. 

"We're in the New Union at last. Gone are the days of eating in a dingy cafeteria; gone are the times when hundreds were turned away from Saturday dances; and gone are the continual grouses over lack of space."

Paul Morgan, "Cool, new, but not without faults", Guild Gazette, issue January 19th 1965.