'Exceptional' Slavery Museum development under threat as government could cut cash

A major redevelopment of Liverpool’s one-of-a-kind International Slavery Museum has been placed in doubt after key funds could be pulled post-Budget.

Only last month, “exceptional” plans for the creation of a new entrance at a long unused part of the city’s Albert Dock were signed off by the local authority as part of a £58m redevelopment of the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum. Formerly home to Granada Television, National Museums Liverpool (NML) said the overhaul of the site was needed to become “more sustainable and meet the needs of the museum’s audiences.”

Now, documents released by the government after Rachel Reeves delivered the first Labour Budget in 14 years have detailed how £10m allocated under the Conservatives through the Levelling Up fund for the scheme is now under review and could be cut all together.

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Planning documents submitted by NML said the regeneration of the building is an “important and essential part of National Museums Liverpool’s Waterfront Transformation Project, which sets an ambitious vision for Liverpool Waterfront.” As part of this, the frontage is earmarked to become a dedicated entrance to the International Slavery Museum for the first time in its history, with multi-functional cultural spaces including the new National Centre for Teaching Black History and continuing the partnership with the Centre for Study of International Slavery.

However, post Ms Reeves’ statement to the Commons on Wednesday, documents set out how the government is minded to cancel unfunded Levelling Up Culture and Capital Projects. This includes £10m for the development of the site.

The government said it could cut the funding to “ensure investment is focussed on the growth mission” but will “consult with potential funding recipients before making a final decision.” In a statement, a spokesperson for National Museums Liverpool said: “In March 2024, it was announced that the redevelopment of the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum would receive £10m from the Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

"We are aware this is under review following the Autumn Budget and we will be consulting with colleagues in Government, ensuring the local, national and international significance of this project is understood. National Museums Liverpool remains committed to this important and deeply impactful project, which has been years in development and has grown with the collaboration and guidance of many, including our community stakeholders.”

To allow for the work to take place, both venues had planned to close in early 2025 and would reopen to the public in 2028. Speaking to the ECHO last month, Michelle Charters OBE, head of the International Slavery Museum, explained why the redevelopment was about more than just bricks and mortar.

She said: “There are maps still showing the growth of the city and the wealth, economy and landscape grow because of the trade. It was a momentous decision on that day in that site, giving provenance to enslaved Africans during Black History Month.

“Now, hundreds of years later, we’re reclaiming the space, the story and proposing the journey of the last 30 years within a site intrinsically linked to the city’s development.”

Reacting to the Budget reports, Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: “The Combined Authority and I have consistently supported National Museums Liverpool’s work to redevelop the International Slavery Museum – including its application for Levelling Up Funding. While the Budget announcement on the future of this funding might seem concerning on the face of it, we are aware that there will be a proper consultation, where we can make the case to government that it is an important investment, both for the region and the wider UK economy.”