Dr Martin Luther King Junior Building and Hartley Pavilion Transformation Refurbishment

National Museums Liverpool

Publication date 2 April 2026, 2:35pm
Contract locations
UKD72 - Liverpool
UKD - North West (England)
Total value £38,000,000

Project Description
The works relate to the refurbishment and transformation of two existing Grade 1 Listed Buildings at the Albert Dock, Liverpool. The works are being completed in the Dr Martin Luther King Junior Building (MLK) and Hartley Pavilion (HP) for National Museums Liverpool. The project will create the new International Slavery Museum and the new Maritime Museum and will form part of the Museums overall masterplan for the area.
Project Overview
The project comprises re-modelling, refurbishing and re-developing the Hartley Pavilion and Dr Martin Luther King Junior building. A description of the works to each of the buildings is detailed below.
1.1 Dr Martin Luther King Junior Building: GIFA 1,459m² / 15,700ft²
Planning Permission & Listed Building Consent for:
 External alterations to MLK including new entrance pavilion, glazed roof lantern to atrium, pedestrian link bridge to connect to Hartley Pavilion, reconfiguration of rooftop plant area with new external plant, new roof finishes, new external doors to west elevation, refurbishment and replacement of existing windows.
 Internal Demolition & removal of existing internal staircases, formation of two new stair cores. New feature staircase to atrium area. Remodelling of internal areas comprising localised removal of fabric, forming voids & risers. Fabric enhancements to structure. Full refurbishment of internal areas comprising renewal of joinery, finishes, fixtures and fittings and M&E installations. Soft strip works already complete.
1.2 Hartley Pavilion: GIFA 11,209m² / 120,655ft²
Planning Permission & Listed Building Consent for:
 External alterations to HP including new glazed vestibule to main entrance (south elevation), new glazed entrance vestibule dockside elevation (north elevation), replacement glazing including windows and curtain walling, reconfiguration of rooftop plant area with new external plant, associated roof remedial works.
 Internal alterations comprising full re-modelling and refurbishment to improve exhibitions and visitor facilities. Remodelled stair cores and formation of new stair and lift core. Remodelling of internal areas comprising localised removal of fabric, forming voids & risers. Fabric enhancements to structure. Full refurbishment of internal areas comprising renewal of joinery, finishes, fixtures and fittings and M&E installations. Soft strip works already complete. Fit-out of new restaurant area including commercial kitchen, new shop, new events spaces and lecture theatre on fourth floor.

Dr Martin Luther King Junior Building and Hartley Pavilion Transformation Refurbishment