The search is on to find a company to undertake the £12m refurbishment of the Hull Maritime Museum, and the Dock Office Chambers
Following the award of UK City of Culture in 2017, the £30m Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City project is a key cultural regeneration scheme in the heart of Hull’s city centre that will protect and celebrate 800 years of Hull’s maritime heritage.
The refurbishment, which will be funded by Hull City Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is a key a part of the continued regeneration of Hull city centre.
The major refurbishment of the Grade II listed Hull Maritime Museum will reveal more of its original architecture, create new and improved visitor facilities and the open up the second floor to the public as well as access to one of the building’s domes.
Enhancing visitor experience
The revamp will also create an interactive and engaging museum, improving the visitor experience for everyone.
Plans also include a new three storey foyer that will draw people into the heart of the building and central core, providing a visually stunning and thematic introduction to the galleries beyond. This will be created by reopening up the original light well that helped to illuminate the Victorian dock offices. New viewing balconies in this central area will help visitors to orientate themselves within the new galleries and enjoy the original architecture like never before.
Daren Hale, portfolio holder for economic investment, regeneration, planning, land and property, said: “This is a key milestone in the project as we move forward with another exciting regeneration project in the city. The transformation of key maritime treasures will have a considerable impact on the city centre, its economy as well as attracting additional visitors.
“This significant investment to the much-loved and well-known museum and former dock offices will give the city a world-class museum it deserves, right in the heart of its city centre.”
Prior to works starting on the Hull Maritime Museum refurbishment, 50,000 objects will need to be moved from the museum.
The refurbishment is expected to take 18 months to complete, and installing the new displays and exhibitions is expected to take approximately a year.
The museum is expected to reopen in spring 2024.
