NML relaunches architect hunt for £58m Liverpool museums revamp
Adjaye Associates had been lined up to lead the transformation of the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum in Liverpool but was dropped after multiple women accused founder Sir David Adjaye of sexual misconduct.
Adjaye’s lawyers have denied the allegations, news of which broke in July. In August, National Museums Liverpool published a statement saying that it had terminated Adjaye Associates’ contract.
“We would like to thank the AA team who have worked hard to bring the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum transformation project, to a developed design stage,” NML said in that statement.
“We remain committed to the project as we continue to build on the momentum already established with an accelerated tender procurement for new architects.”
That “accelerated tender procurement” process has now begun, with NML publishing its official tender request for a replacement architect.
This new architect will be tasked with designing two new entrances to the Maritn Luther King Jr Building and the Hartley Pavilion, as well as refurbishing both buildings and adding a link bridge between the two.
The project is currently in the middle of RIBA Stage 3, with the appointed architect expected to guide it through the remaining RIBA stages.
NML estimates that the total cost of the project is £58m. The architect contract is valued at between £800,000 and £1.1m, excluding VAT. The contract is for the end of December 2024 and could be extended to winter 2028. The deadline to submit a tender for the project is 6 October.
Ralph Appelbaum Associates, which was appointed at the same time as Adjaye Associates to the redesign of the museums, is still involved in the project. RAA is leading the exhibition design.
Adjaye Associates had also been slated as part of a consortium to work on NML’s Canning Dock revamp. Adjaye Associates subsequently departed from that scheme earlier this year. Architect Asif Khan and artist Theaster Gates are currently designing the project, which is set to include a ‘contemplation space’ that will “play host to stories of the past, life of the present, and dreams of the future, with no chance of being washed away”, according to a consultation.
