Planning

Dr Martin Luther King Junior Building and Hartley Pavilion Transformation Refurbishment

NATIONAL MUSEUMS LIVERPOOL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

02 Apr 2026 at 14:35

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

National Museums Liverpool is overseeing a significant refurbishment project involving Grade 1 Listed Buildings at the Albert Dock, Liverpool. The transformation, titled "Dr Martin Luther King Junior Building and Hartley Pavilion Transformation Refurbishment," falls under construction work and aims to establish the International Slavery Museum and the new Maritime Museum as part of their masterplan. The procurement is currently in the planning stage, with a focus on market engagement, and further information can be accessed until 17th April 2026. This process is governed by public authority central government regulations, with the endeavour valued at £45.6 million gross. The refurbishment is set to commence on 14th August 2026, concluding by 30th July 2028.

This tender provides vast opportunities for contractors specialising in heritage construction, refurbishments, and museum development. Businesses with expertise in managing complex, high-value construction projects would be well-suited to compete for this tender. Opportunities also extend to firms capable of handling structural, aesthetic, and M&E installations alongside innovative design work to preserve historical integrity while accommodating modern functionalities. Engaging in this project can significantly enhance a company’s portfolio by further establishing dominance within the construction industry, particularly in the public and cultural infrastructure sectors.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Dr Martin Luther King Junior Building and Hartley Pavilion Transformation Refurbishment

Notice Description

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.

Planning Information

Further information and supporting documents on: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/nationalmuseumsliverpool/aspx/Tenders/Current

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-067c24
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/031056-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

CPV Codes

45000000 - Construction work

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£38,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Apr 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
17 Apr 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
13 Aug 2026 - 30 Jul 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NATIONAL MUSEUMS LIVERPOOL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LIVERPOOL
Postcode
L3 8EN
Post Town
Liverpool
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD7 Merseyside
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD72 Liverpool
Delivery Location
TLD North West (England)
Local Authority
Liverpool
Electoral Ward
City Centre North
Westminster Constituency
Liverpool Riverside

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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