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Planning permission was secured in 2023 for the reimagining project. Credit: 6a architects

DCMS finds another £12m for Tate Liverpool’s revamp

Now aiming for a 2027 reopening, funding from the government’s Public Bodies Infrastructure Fund has been joined by philanthropic donations as the £35m project enters its final fundraising phase.

Donations from the Garfield Weston Foundation, which has given £3m, and the Ross Warburton Charitable Trust join the £12m contribution signed off by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport.

The redevelopment of Tate Liverpool, intended to transform what is described as the UK’s most-popular modern and contemporary art gallery outside London, was put forward in 2023, with planning permission secured that year for what was at that stage a £29.7m scheme.

The venue closed in October 2023, with Northern Irish firm Gilbert-Ash appointed as main contractor two months later.

Already in place was £10m from the Levelling Up Fund – part of a combined £20m bid with National Museums Liverpool – as well as £6.6m from the DCMS’s Estates Maintenance Fund. The Wolfson Foundation has backed the project to the tune of £1.25m.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority had funded the early developmental phase of the project through its Strategic Investment Fund.

Opened originally in 1988 in the 1840s-built waterside warehouse complex, the gallery has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s waterfront regeneration and visitor economy.

A first major retrospective of artist Chila Kumari Singh Burman will form part of the reopening programme, which “will be a celebration of the rich culture of the North”.

Tate Liverpool director, Helen Legg, said: “We’re grateful to the government for this investment and for their vote of confidence as we realise this once-in-a-generation renewal of Tate Liverpool. I am also thankful for the support of the trusts, foundations and private donors whose investment will ensure we serve the needs of artists and audiences, now and into the future.

“The bold transformation of Tate Liverpool will be invaluable to the region’s visitor economy, a catalyst for the next era of waterfront redevelopment, and an opportunity for our communities to enjoy world-class art and culture in the heart of Liverpool.”

Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Liverpool is one of the great cities of the world and the transformation of Tate Liverpool will mean this amazing cultural venue can continue to flourish for future generations.

“I’m delighted our Public Bodies Infrastructure Fund is supporting this redevelopment, which will strengthen Liverpool’s economy and encourage even more people to visit this incredible city that has culture at its heart. Our support is part of this government’s commitment to ensure arts and culture is accessible to everyone right across the country.”

Designed by 6a architects, Tate Liverpool’s renovation will include new public spaces alongside reimagined gallery areas, with views across the Mersey to the fore. Flooring and access will be improved.

The designs include a new public art hall on the ground floor, with mezzanines removed to create a double-height space. Opening up the gallery’s façade will increase its visibility on the waterfront, Tate said. Improved building performance is also part of the project’s remit.

The Planning Lab is the scheme’s planning consultant. Also on the project team is engineer Buro Happold, transport consultant Velocity Transport, services engineer Ritchie+Duffin, and noise consultant NoiseAir. Arcadis is the project manager.

  • This story has been updated to include revised figures provided by Tate 

Your Comments

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Well done Helen – a great vote of confidence in our wonderful joint home in the Royal Albert Dock

By Pete Swift

Sounds very much like a ‘white elephant’ to me.

By Peter Chapman

We’ve missed the Tate, look forward to 2027 and it’s reopening.

By Anonymous

£35m refurb! Wow!

By Anonymous

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