Green light for International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum redevelopment
Planning consent has been granted for National Museums Liverpool’s proposals to redevelop the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum to create dynamic, welcoming spaces that meaningfully address contemporary issues.
The £58m scheme, designed by Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios, will see the Dr Martin Luther King Junior Building transform into a prominent new entrance to the International Slavery Museum. A new Entrance Pavilion will create an inspiring welcome, and a striking iron and glass bridge will connect the re-imagined International Slavery Museum galleries in the Hartley Pavilion to the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building while offering spectacular views into and out of the Royal Albert Dock.
This project is made possible with £9.9m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and forms part of the wider Waterfront Transformation Project which aims to link storytelling, heritage, community and hospitality to create a rich visitor experience and be a catalyst for social and environmental improvements in the area.
Donald Insall Associates acted as heritage consultants on the project, supporting the emerging designs through detailed analysis of the site’s special interest. A Conservation Management Plan for the Grade I-listed Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building and the Hartley Pavilion examined Liverpool’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, and how this impacts the cultural and historical significance of the site’s buildings and surrounding landscape.
“We can now take ownership of our past and reset the course of history in the interest of future generations.”
“This important milestone represents the hard work and dedication of all those involved in the redevelopment of both the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum. Throughout the process we have been guided by our community stakeholders and this bold and exciting approach is a testament to their energy, knowledge and experience, alongside the powerful collections and stories both museums hold.”
"We are excited about the designs; the engagement they encourage and the stories they tell. This project – like both museums within it - embodies a determination that our collective and shared history is expressed. It boldly addresses themes of restorative justice through space; which is fitting for the first museum in the world dedicated to the transatlantic slave trade. Liverpool, the UK and the world is ready for this."
"We welcome the approval of National Museums Liverpool’s proposals to revitalise the Maritime Museum and to move the entrance of the International Slavery Museum into the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Building (former Dock Traffic Office). A core aspiration of this move is to emphasise the importance of Black people’s stories to Liverpool’s history. We believe that the scheme has been designed with thoughtful consideration to its sensitive surroundings, but also importantly gives due prominence to an underrepresented element of history that is linked to the Royal Albert Dock."
