The creation of Maryport Maritime Museum, a new destination being created in the former Christ Church as part of Cumberland Council’s £12 million regeneration of the town, is taking longer than planned after some windows were found to be more damaged than initially thought.
Christ Church is more than 150 years old and suffered decades of deterioration before Allerdale Borough Council bought it in 2020. Its reinvention as the Maritime Museum was then taken up by Cumberland Council. It will now open in the autumn, will bring an historic building back to life and celebrate the town’s place in seafaring heritage.
During the conservation project, the main contractor, Thomas Armstrong Construction, discovered the fragility of the glass and frames of some of the windows was worse than first surveyed. The stained-glass windows are not affected; it is solely the areas containing leaded glass which need to be replaced.
Resolving the damage was further delayed by the fact the building is Grade II listed and so replacement of the windows needed Listed Building planning consent. It also sits in a Conservation Area, and is of significant historic importance, featuring prominently in Maryport’s maritime heritage, and being the focus of artists such as LS Lowry. Additional funding was also sought to pay for the additional conservation works.
However, behind the scenes, the rest of the project continues as planned, including an exciting interpretation fit out with many interactive features. The reception area and shop fittings are in, and the stunning mezzanine floor, crow’s nest and lighting displays are also complete.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
“Our priority for Christ Church is to preserve and protect a building which is part of the fabric of Maryport and give it a long and successful future. We are creating a new Maritime Museum as a destination which will attract visitors and locals alike, bringing even more footfall to the town.
“Working on old buildings is always a challenge and often throws up additional issues throughout a project. It is never an exact science, you do not know what materials were used in the initial construction and you don’t know how a building has been treated throughout its life.
“So, while it is frustrating that the restoration has proved complicated, we are determined to get it right, to ensure the ongoing sustainability of this Maryport landmark, and to make sure it lasts for many more years to come.”