Waterfront museums secure £10m government grant

Two museums in Liverpool have secured £10m in government funding to help refurbish them despite concerns the grant could have been withdrawn.

Projects at the city's International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum were provisionally allocated the funding by the previous Conservative government in spring 2024.

However, the new Labour government announced in the last Autumn Budget that it was "minded to withdraw the funding" amid pressure to make savings.

Following consultation, ministers have now agreed to approve the sum to "expand and maintain" both museums.

The attractions are among six major cultural projects in England to be allocated a total of £47m, including schemes in York, Leeds, Coventry and Worcester.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the investment would lead to "more tourism, more growth and more money in people's pockets".

"Through investing in these critical cultural projects, we can empower both local leaders and people to really tap into their potential and celebrate everything their home town has to offer," she said.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added: "This support will empower our cultural organisations to continue playing an essential role in developing skills, talent and high-quality careers in every corner of the UK."

Both museums, located at the Royal Albert Dock, are set to close for three years during a £58m makeover that will see the Grade I-listed buildings link up.

The Maritime Museum, which opened in 1986, will also have its welcome space improved.

The International Slavery Museum opened on Slavery Remembrance Day - 23 August – in 2007, during events to mark 200 years since British legislation to abolish the transatlantic slave trade.

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