Phoenix Safe Works Smithsdown Lane Liverpool

The Lord Mayor of London, Sir James T Ritchie, Bart, as chairman of the company, formally laid on Friday the foundation‑stone of new buildings which form an extension of the Phoenix Safe Works in Smithdown Lane. The buildings when completed will extend 300ft. along Aigburth Street and 127ft. along Smithdown‑lane, covering an area of about three‑quarters of an acre. The premises are to be constructed of brick, with Whitehaven stone dressings. They will be divided into three bays, and each will be fitted with an electric travelling crane for lifting and transferring work in progress from one section to another. Galleries are to be erected on three sides of the new building, and these will be used for the lighter manufactures of the company, the main building being reserved for the manufacture of safes, bankers' armour‑plated strong‑rooms, and strong‑room fittings. The architect of the building is Mr F H Oldham, of Manchester, and the contractors are Messrs W Brown and Son, of Salford. When completed the works altogether will cover an area of 2.5 acres.

Reference           Building News 30 September 1904 page 488