New images show £58m plans to transform Liverpool museums

Artists' impressions have revealed how a £58m redevelopment of two Liverpool museums could look after a consultation opened.

The plans are for the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum on the Royal Albert Dock.

Both venues are set to close for three years for the work.

Janet Dugdale, executive director of museums and participation, told BBC Radio Merseyside the lengthy closure was necessary.

"We want to redo so much of both museums - reimagining the International Slavery Museum and revitalising the Maritime Museum," she said.

"We need to do everything to make them more environmentally sustainable for the future as well."

She said the work would make the Grade I-listed buildings much more accessible to visitors, including revamps to the entrances and other upgrades.

"The physical work does take quite a while so it is what it is but we will do different things when the museums are closed," she said.

The Maritime Museum, which opened in 1986 as part of the dock's redevelopment, was the first of National Museums Liverpool's three waterfront venues.

Marie Smallwood, of Historic England, said it was "really important" the emerging plans were "sensitive to the setting within Liverpool's historic docks", and planners were consulting with the organisation.

She said it was "encouraging" the proposal was going out to public consultation to help shape the future of this part of Liverpool's "amazing maritime heritage".

National Museums Liverpool runs seven venues and said it attracted more than 2.5 million visitors last year.

The project received £9.9m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £10m from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities last month.

The group is inviting feedback on the plans at a public consultation event at the Museum of Liverpool until 16:30 BST and via an online event between 18:00 and 19:00.

The plans come as some of the staff at National Museums Liverpool are striking over a cost of living payment.

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