Plans are gathering pace that could help create a new ‘gateway’ to Liverpool’s iconic Albert Dock.
National Museums Liverpool (NML) are planning to carry out a £57m redevelopment of the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum. Earlier this week the NML announced the winning architects, Adjaye Associates and Ralph Appelbaum Associates, who will lead on the major reimagining on Liverpool’s waterfront.
Currently the two museums are entered via Hartley Quay, which leads towards Tate Liverpool, Museum of Liverpool and Mann Island. But plans would see the orientation of the museums focussed with a new “statement” entrance to the International Slavery Museum via the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building, according to Director of NML Laura Pye. Under the plans the building would be linked to the existing museum space behind.
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As the first building to meet visitors travelling up Salthouse Quay, the Martin Luther King Jr building will not only offer a new entrance, but could change how people interact with one of the city’s busiest landmarks. The building is one of the most striking on the Albert Dock and has previously been used as the Dock Traffic Office and the home of Granada Television, but has only been opened to the public on a limited basis since it came under the control of NML.
The building features a grand atrium with a range of former 'news rooms' dotted around its perimeter, with many of its former features still intact in an assortment of spaces. A number of pop-up exhibitions have been installed in the space in recent years, with more planned over the coming months. But the museum redevelopment, estimated to take two years and beginning in 2024, is aiming to provide a “prominent new entrance” and gallery space, according to NML.
Under the proposals the two museums would close for two years while significant works are carried out. This includes linking the Dr Martin Luther King Building to the existing International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum - something that will enable a reconfiguration of gallery and floor space across all floors.
NML says this will create a stronger sense of purpose and identity for the International Slavery Museum, with the overall £57m development improving commercial facilities. The redevelopment also hopes to dovetail with the transformation of Canning Dock which could be linked with bridges from Salthouse Quay - in turn providing previously unavailable access to elements of the waterfront.
Commenting on the architects winning preferred bidder status, Laura Pye said: “To be bringing two such visionary designers with international reputations to the project represents the bold ambition and thinking behind it. We are delighted they’re keen to embrace this as a co-production project which we feel will create something truly ground-breaking.
“There has never been a more important time to address the legacies of the transatlantic slave trade and the redevelopment of the International Slavery Museum symbolises our, and our region’s commitment to confronting the significant role the city played in British imperialism.
“Alongside the revitalisation of the Maritime Museum, which will bring a renewed focus on Liverpool’s rich maritime history and communities, and the wider Canning Dock development, the project will create a holistic exploration of the heritage of the Liverpool waterfront, as well as a world-class visitor experience.”
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