NML tables plans for Liverpool Canning Dock revival
The oldest visible part of the city’s dock system will be transformed to showcase a rich maritime history under new proposals for the area between the Museum of Liverpool and the Royal Albert Dock.
National Museums Liverpool has submitted plans to the city council for the revival of Canning Quaysides and Dry Docks, constructed in the 1760s and designed for the cleaning and repair of ships. Historic stone coursing, barrel runs, mitre gates, and iron fittings remain on the site.
Designed by architect Asif Khan and artist Theaster Gates, the development would cover an area of 194,000 sq ft and consist of four main elements: improvements to the quayside, the installation of a footbridge, new access to the south dry dock, and a new contemplation space.
Proposals for the quayside focus on improvements to the public realm, including new accessible pathways as well as a public square to enable NML to host exhibitions, markets, and events. There would also be improved signage to draw attention to important historical elements of the site.
A new footbridge is also proposed to reinstate the historic connection across Canning Half Tide Dock, to provide a link across the site linking Hartley Quay with the Canning southern quayside.
There would also be improved connections to the surrounding International Slavery Museum, Maritime Museum, and Museum of Liverpool, also owned by NML.
The renewal of the south dry dock is key to the proposals, with plans for a new staircase and lift to allow the public to descend into and access the space for the first time.
An area dedicated to contemplation and education would be featured on the reimagined south dry dock. The stone and glass structure will sit at the base of the sunken dock and carry the same dimensions as a typical slave ship, reminiscent of the many based there 250 years ago.
The contemplation space would be a spot where visitors could “contemplate and reflect on the historic significance of the site”, according to a planning statement. The space could also be used to host programmed events and activities.
An aerial view of the project, including the footbridge to the right. Credit: Asif Khan Studio
Plans form part of the broader Waterfront Transformation Project, which also includes the International Slavery Museum expansion, and the redevelopment of the Maritime Museum.
The Canning Dock project is being funded with a contribution from the government’s £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund, supported by a £120,000 grant from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Race Equality Programme.
Prior+Partners is the scheme’s planning consultant. The project team also includes Plan A Consultants, The Place Bureau, Hara Design Institute, AKTII, Arup, Donald Insall Associates, and Bureau Veritas.
To learn more about the development, search for application number 23F/2711 on Liverpool City Council’s planning portal.
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Great to see such a strong Liverpool professional team in NML’s line-up. Giving a bit back to the city’s corporate community, who they continuously tap up for funding and donations. Clever move.
By Sceptical
Not really sure about this, I think it’s a wasted opportunity and not was originally envisaged.
By Liverpolitis
Hope this turns out well but up to now I find the plans somewhat underwhelming. Would much rather see a historic ship sited in the graving dock for people to discover.
By L17
contemplation space ? this whole project smacks more of PC than a worth while addition. What’s wrong with mooring a historic ship from Cammell Laird something that would appeal to the general public way more than a contemplation space , look at how popular HMS Belfast is in London. Its so underwhelming and a lost opportunity. If you actually read the PR release its utter nonsense and a complete detachment NML operate in a PC bubble.
By Paul
Was hoping there might have been an opportunity to reconsider such a ridiculous scheme. We seem to have ended up with people running a Maritime Museum with no interest at all in ships, the sea, or much of Liverpool’s history as a port. Would be good to open up the public realm, but should be to see some more ships, or perhaps even for repair of historic ones as per the original purpose of the dry dock.
By Docker
This is utterly underwhelming and smacks of more woke hand-wringing from NML. Let’s have a beautiful old ship with a story to tell and room for children to clamber about and learn stuff. Sitting in a darkened space singing Kumbaya whilst self-flagellating for sins committed by our forebears more than 215 years ago is hardly a crowd-pleaser.
By Birket Boy
Looks like the bit of muck that the historical ship left behind
By Anonymous
As for ‘the box in the dock’ being a space for ‘contemplation’ I think that the only contemplating that people seeing it will do will focus on wondering/contemplating why on earth have we as a port city have been landed with this when other maritime museums and other ports have real large ships of all types on show and the insides of which have even more exhibits. People of all ages love to get up close and personal with real ships and yes let their imagination run away with them and maybe spark a lifetime interest. The ‘box in the dock’ as previous correspondents have said is a totally wasted opportunity to showcase real ships and yes all the real people who worked in our amazing port and still do.
By Brendan R
Hovis?
By Anonymous
Lovely box for contemplating chocolate
By Ferrero Rocher
Why not put an historic ship in the drydock as a homage to all the seafarers that have come from and passed through this great maritime city!
By Daniel Evans
I can imagine visitors making their way over to this box with great expectations clambering down to it joining the queue and entering it then saying “is that it”?
They should take their lead from Greenwich.
By What a waste of space.