Planning approval granted for International Slavery Museum revamp

National Museums Liverpool’s (NML) plan to redevelop the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum has been granted planning permission.

The Slavery Museum is currently located on the third floor of the Maritime Museum at the Royal Albert Dock. Both venues will close on 5 January next year to allow building work to begin.

When they reopen in 2028, the adjacent Dr Martin Luther King Jr – which was previously a Dock Traffic Office – will be transformed into a new entrance pavilion for the Slavery Museum.

As well as orientating visitors, this space will include a balustrade timeline showing the story of International Slavery Museum within the context of Liverpool’s history with transatlantic slavery and its modern-day consequences.

An iron and glass bridge will connect visitors to the museum’s galleries in Hartley Pavilion, providing views over the Royal Albert Dock.

The Maritime Museum’s will also benefit from an improved visitor welcome and orientation space, which includes enhanced commercial facilities such as a shop, cafe and events spaces.

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios was appointed as the new team leading the architectural design of redevelopment in January, after the museum cut ties with the original architects, Adjaye Associates.

Kossy Nnachetta, partner and lead architect at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, said: “These two inspiring museums, join in the transformation of Liverpool waterfront, telling the full story of Britain’s maritime history in tandem with its role in the transatlantic slave trade.

“The project develops new galleries for both museums, as well as shared spaces for community uses, research, learning and events.”

The £58m redevelopment was awarded £9.9m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund Horizon Award and £185,000 from Liverpool City Region Combined as part of its work to tackle racial divides in the city. 

The redevelopment is part of NML’s wider Waterfront Transformation Project, which links storytelling, heritage, community and hospitality to create a rich visitor experience and be a catalyst for social and environmental improvements in the area.

Laura Pye, director of NML, said: “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.”

NML has worked closely with a variety of organisations including Historic England, Merseyside Civic Society and Liverpool City Council on the development plans.

Members of the University of Liverpool: School of Architecture are helping to facilitate community conversations. Ralph Appelbaum Associates is leading on the exhibition design for both museums.

Michelle Charters, the director of the International Slavery Museum, will speak at this year's Museums Association Conference in Leeds. The Liverpool-born community activist will be in conversation with actor, singer and writer Michelle Gayle on Wednesday 13 November.