Work starts at historic Maryport landmark
Work starts at historic Maryport landmark
Contractors are on site starting the transformation of one of Maryport’s most historic buildings.
Christ Church on King Street is becoming a new home for Maryport Maritime Museum and work has now started on site.
The Grade II listed building, which dates back to 1872, was empty for a number of years before being purchased by the former Allerdale Council in 2020. Cumberland Council is now forging ahead with the exciting project to make this landmark building into a museum and visitor experience. The project is being paid for by the Government’s Future High Streets fund and will cost in excess of £1 million.
Planning permission for the change from church to museum was granted in 2022. Scaffolding has gone up this week so repairs can be made to the building’s exterior while the interior will be converted to house the Maritime Museum collections and other exhibitions.
The new attraction is expected to open to the public in Spring 2024 while the former Maritime Museum in Senhouse Street is being converted into Shipping Brow Gallery, complete with an artist in residence. That is due to open its doors in Summer 2023.
Christ Church has connections to LS Lowry, who featured it in his paintings. The world-famous artist visited the area with his protégé, Sheila Fell, who was from Aspatria and also used the harbourside landmark in her work.
The Gothic-style building was listed in 2020 by Historic England and their report described its links to Thomas Ismay, founder of the White Star Line which went on to launch the Titanic. He funded its clock in 1879 and this will be restored to ensure it remains a welcoming beacon for sailors.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: “The move of the Maritime Museum to Christ Church will really help put Maryport on the map. It will give so much more prominence to this town’s fascinating history, bring a beautiful building back to life, and give locals an asset to be proud of, as well as ensuring visitors have even more reasons to come here.
“Combined with the new Shipping Brow Gallery, and the newly renovated buildings in the town centre that the Council has been involved with, plus all of the existing attractions on the harbourside, I am pleased to see so many things enhancing the future for Maryport.”
Peter Stevenson, chair of the Maryport Maritime Heritage group which manages the Maritime Museum, said: “We’re really looking forward to everything that Christ Church has to offer to showcase Maryport’s fascinating sea-faring heritage. It’s a beautiful building and will give us so much more space for displays and exhibitions. We’re excited about this new era for the Museum.”
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