Work has started to transform a historic West Cumbrian church into a museum.
Contractors are on site at Maryport’s Christ Church, which will become the new home of the town’s maritime museum.
The Grade II listed building, which dates back to 1872, was empty for a number of years before being bought by the former Allerdale council in 2020.
Cumberland Council is now forging ahead with the 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 over £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 museum’s collections and other exhibitions.
The new attraction is expected to open in spring 2024 while the former museum in Senhouse Street is being converted into Shipping Brow Gallery, complete with an artist in residence. That is due to open its doors this summer.
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.
Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: “The move of the 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 Maryport Maritime Heritage group which manages the 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.”
