MAYOR Steve Rotheram visited Tate Liverpool as the project to renew the galleries begins to take shape. The careful removal of the redundant components of the old gallery in the Grade 1 listed building has revealed the original brick walls of the historic warehouse, signalling the end of first phase of the project. The major reimagining of this Royal Albert Dock landmark is designed by 6a architects and will transform the UK’s most-popular contemporary art gallery outside London.
Contractors Gilbert Ash have stripped out the building’s aged infrastructure and revealed more of the Victorian warehouse’s character. This work has brought more natural light into the building, provided a stronger connection to the building’s history and, crucially, opened up new views over the River Mersey that have never been accessible to the public before. Alongside this, full renovation of the roof has included improvements to the insulation, lead sheeting, joinery, windows and guttering.
Work will now begin to establish a new art hall on the ground floor. Gallery spaces over a further three floors will be reorientated to give new panoramic views of the River Mersey, re-establishing the building’s connection to its historic waterfront site. The transformation will also address critical infrastructure challenges and will end the gallery’s reliance on fossil fuels, removing gas boilers and using an all-electric operation.
Tate Liverpool’s transformation looks further into the future as part of the wider development of the city region’s waterfront. The project will cement the gallery’s position as a lynchpin in the region’s £6bn visitor economy and a vital driver in attracting further inward investment.
Helen Legg, Director, Tate Liverpool said: “We’re delighted to see the new vision for Tate Liverpool beginning to unfold as we reveal more of the Victorian brick walls and open up the former warehouse’s deep spaces and riverside views. When visitors return, they will be able to enjoy the amazing atmosphere of this historic building, reconnecting with the heritage and history of the site, while enjoying improved access to the full breadth of the national collection.”
The reinvigorated Tate Liverpool will welcome visitors into a 21st century museum with spaces designed to showcase the incredible diversity of Tate’s collection and host world-class exhibitions. These galleries will sit seamlessly alongside public spaces for play, relaxation and learning while spectacular views across the Mersey will connect the gallery to its historic context on the region’s waterfront.
Funding for the project has come from the UK Government, including £10m from MHCLG, as part of a successful combined £20m bid with National Museums Liverpool, and £6.6m from the DCMS Public Bodies Infrastructure Fund. The project has benefitted from further funding from foundations, including £1.25m from the Wolfson Foundation and gifts from individuals. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority also awarded funding for the developmental phase of the project via its Strategic Investment Fund.
