Austin-Smith:Lord designs £6m museum expansion

LIVERPOOL’S International Slavery Museum is set to undergo a £6m expansion after plans to refurbish one of the city’s iconic dock-side buildings were approved.

Designed by the Liverpool studio of International architects Austin-Smith:Lord, the scheme will feature an elevated glass walkway connecting the museum with the Grade I listed Dock Traffic Office at Liverpool’s Albert Dock.

The premises became well known between 1986 and 2006 when it was home to Granada TV and the This Morning programme.

The 160-year old building will become a new public entrance for the museum, giving it its own identity and a physical presence within the Albert Dock. 

Austin-Smith:Lord’s design includes a new glazed light well which will bring natural light into the main atrium of the building.

A new section of glazed floor at ground level will also provide natural light into the basement where the education suites will be located and new glazed lift shafts in the internal atrium will provide improved vertical circulation.

The development work is subject to funding but could be completed by 2012.

Phil Jervis, project director for the scheme at Austin-Smith:Lord, said: “The refurbished Dock Traffic Office will form a stunning, new addition to the museum, offering an enhanced visitor experience and a greater sense of presence at the Albert Dock.

“We’re delighted to be working on another prestigious project for National Museums Liverpool at a World Heritage site.”