Jesse Hartley, who was responsible for many of Liverpool's maritime structures – including the Albert Dock, designed the Central Hydraulic Tower and Engine House (the tower is an accumulator tower).
Providing power for the movement of lock gates and bridges at Birkenhead Docks, it was completed in 1863.
The design of the building was based on the Palazzo Vecchio in the Piazza Della Signoria, Florence, Italy.

The 110 ft tower and building sustained considerable damage from bombing during the Second World War and was repaired in a functional, rather than architectural style.
The large lantern at the top of the tower was not replaced.
The building is now disused and in a dilapidated condition.

In March 2008, a planning application was submitted for a £12 million restoration and redevelopment of the building by Peel Holdings to be converted into a bar and restaurant.
A ninety-two bed hotel complex was planned to be constructed immediately adjacent to it.
These plans never came to fruition and in September 2015 it was announced that the tower would become part of a £30 million advanced manufacturing and engineering skills centre.
Known as the 'Hydraulic Tower and Generator Project', owners Peel intend to create 90,000 square feet of space for offices and workspaces for small to medium fast-growing businesses.

 Media related to Wallasey Central Hydraulic Tower at Wikimedia Commons
Jesse Hartley, who was responsible for many of Liverpool's maritime structures – including the Albert Dock, designed the Central Hydraulic Tower and Engine House (the tower is an accumulator tower). Providing power for the movement of lock gates and bridges at Birkenhead Docks, it was completed in 1863. The design of the building was based on the Palazzo Vecchio in the Piazza Della Signoria, Florence, Italy.
The 110 ft tower and building sustained considerable damage from bombing during the Second World War and was repaired in a functional, rather than architectural style. The large lantern at the top of the tower was not replaced. The building is now disused and in a dilapidated condition.
In March 2008, a planning application was submitted for a £12 million restoration and redevelopment of the building by Peel Holdings to be converted into a bar and restaurant. A ninety-two bed hotel complex was planned to be constructed immediately adjacent to it. These plans never came to fruition and in September 2015 it was announced that the tower would become part of a £30 million advanced manufacturing and engineering skills centre. Known as the 'Hydraulic Tower and Generator Project', owners Peel intend to create 90,000 square feet of space for offices and workspaces for small to medium fast-growing businesses.
 Media related to Wallasey Central Hydraulic Tower at Wikimedia Commons
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