Preferred bidders revealed for £57m museum redevelopment

The preferred bidders to lead the design of a £57m major redevelopment of the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum in Liverpool have been revealed.National Museums Liverpool has confirmed design businesses Adjaye Associates and Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA) will lead on realising its vision.Adjaye Associates will lead the architectural design and Ralph Appelbaum Associates will take responsibility for the exhibition design.National Museums Liverpool partnered with its RESPECT Group for the selection and appointment. As the project progresses, those whose lives have been most affected by the legacies of historic or modern slavery will play an integral role in the development of both museums.The redevelopment will see the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building become a prominent new entrance to the International Slavery Museum.The Hartley Pavilion will also benefit from improved circulation for visitors with enhanced commercial facilities, including retail, cafeteria, events spaces and a dynamic temporary exhibition space. The national collections of both the International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum will be elevated and their stories amplified by the major redevelopment.Laura Pye, director of National Museums Liverpool, 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.”Sir David Adjaye OBE said: “This project presents us with an opportunity to reimagine the historic fabric of this grade I-listed building and to reposition it within the powerful context of Liverpool’s Waterfront and its relationship to the transatlantic slave trade.”Phillip Tefft, director of RAA’s London studio, said: “RAA is honoured and delighted to be appointed for this critical and timely project, which is among the most significant we have ever undertaken.”The project is made possible with generous support of £9.9m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund with thanks to National Lottery playersDavid Renwick, director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Empowering a wider range of people to engage with heritage is a key priority for The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which is why we are so proud to support this transformational project.”We’re very excited to see the progress National Museums Liverpool are making on this project that will allow people to engage with and challenge the legacies of transatlantic and modern slavery.”