ASL designs approved for slavery museum

Plans for a £6m refurbishment of Liverpool's International Slavery Museum have been approved.

The design by the Liverpool studio of architects Austin-Smith:Lord will connect the museum with the Grade I-listed Dock Traffic Office at Liverpool's Albert Dock with an elevated glass walkway.

 ASL atrium design for International Slavery MuseumThe 160-year old Dock Traffic Office building will become a new public entrance for the museum, with a new external pedestrian access ramp leading up to the existing portico level entrance to the building.

The refurbishment also includes the creation of education suites, community facilities, a media hub, a café area, and improved staff accommodation.

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

Phil Jervis, from 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."

The Dock Traffic Office currently houses National Museums Liverpool staff. Built in 1846, it was the home of Granada TV between 1986 and 2006.

The International Slavery Museum opened in summer 2007 and is located on the third floor of Liverpool's Maritime Museum, just yards away from the docks.

Guests including American civil rights activist, Jesse Jackson, and Condoleezza Rice have previously visited the museum.

Austin-Smith:Lord's Liverpool office has previously worked on the interior design of the Maritime dining rooms, which opened in 2009, amongst other projects for NML.

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